88R16148 CJM-D
By: Johnson of Dallas H.R. No. 470
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Colorectal Cancer Prevention Awareness Month is
being observed in March 2023 to highlight the lifesaving importance
of screening and early detection for colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer deaths overall; the American Cancer Society estimates that
more than 153,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal
cancer and over 52,000 Americans will lose their lives to the
disease in 2023; and
WHEREAS, The chance of developing colorectal cancer
increases with age, with nearly 90 percent of new cases diagnosed in
adults 50 years of age or older; people are also at higher risk of
getting the disease if they have an inherited disorder such as Lynch
syndrome, type 2 diabetes, a family history of colorectal cancer or
adenomatous polyps, or a personal history of certain conditions
such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; and
WHEREAS, Screening can prevent colon cancer by detecting
precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer; it can also help
gastroenterologists detect cancer early, when it is in a more
treatable stage; in addition to preventative screenings, people can
adopt certain lifestyle practices, which include maintaining a
healthy weight, being physically active, and avoiding alcohol and
smoking, that have been shown to help protect against this disease;
and
WHEREAS, Among the organizations working to improve the care
of patients with colorectal cancer in this state is the Texas
Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, a statewide
professional association that advocated for the passage of a 2021
State Senate bill to provide coverage for colorectal cancer
screenings; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal Cancer Prevention Awareness Month serves
to educate Texans about the actions they can take to reduce the
risks associated with colorectal cancer, and those who are taking
part in this worthwhile endeavor are to be commended for their
efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 2023 as Colorectal Cancer
Prevention Awareness Month and honor the Texas Society for
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy for helping to advance the goals of
this lifesaving campaign; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.