Recognizes October 13, 2020 as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in New Jersey.
Impact
By officially recognizing this day, the resolution seeks to engage the public in discussions about metastatic breast cancer and to promote the importance of research and treatment options available for patients. The resolution illustrates the commitment of New Jersey’s legislature to improving cancer awareness and potentially influencing funding and support for research initiatives. The state's participation in initiatives like the #LightUPMBC campaign is also encouraged, furthering the objective of raising awareness.
Summary
Assembly Resolution AR38 designates October 13, 2020, as 'Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day' in New Jersey. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about metastatic breast cancer, a condition that occurs when cancer spreads from the breast to other parts of the body, which is often incurable and significantly impacts the life expectancy of affected patients. The resolution also highlights the need for increased focus on research for the treatment of metastatic cases, which causes the majority of breast cancer deaths.
Contention
While the resolution itself is largely symbolic, it underscores significant issues surrounding breast cancer treatment disparities and the urgent need for more research funding, especially as the statistics regarding mortality rates differ based on race, with African American individuals facing higher mortality rates from the disease. There is no opposition mentioned for this specific resolution, but the context suggests that discussions around funding and research priorities in cancer treatment could lead to broader conversations within healthcare legislation.