88R17791 TBO-D
By: Perry S.R. No. 325
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and
Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day is taking place on March 22, 2023; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 12,220 Texans and 153,000
Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and
4,300 Texans and 52,000 Americans will die from the disease; most
colorectal cancers can be prevented by removing precancerous polyps
from the colon; however, polyps do not typically produce symptoms
during their early stages, so it is important to be proactive and
take advantage of screenings and early detection technology;
according to the American Cancer Society, all men and women should
start preventative screenings for colorectal cancer at the age of
45, and at-risk individuals are advised to begin screenings even
sooner; and
WHEREAS, Lynch syndrome is an inherited disease that leads to
a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including
colorectal, endometrial, gastric, ovarian, small bowel,
pancreatic, prostate, urinary tract, kidney, bile duct, and brain
cancers; hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer is the most
common type affecting Lynch syndrome patients; an estimated 1 in
every 300 individuals is a carrier of a genetic alteration
associated with Lynch syndrome, and those who have a first-degree
relative with the disease have a 50 percent chance of inheriting it;
because patients with Lynch syndrome are more likely to receive a
cancer diagnosis at a young age, it is vital that families know
their medical history to ensure early intervention and treatment;
and
WHEREAS, For more than two decades, the South Plains Colon
Cancer Prevention Task Force has played an instrumental role in
expanding access to colorectal screenings in West Texas as well as
across the state; the members of the group have worked tirelessly to
raise awareness about colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome and
support individuals and families who have been affected by these
diseases; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Lynch
Syndrome Awareness Day serve to educate Texans about the actions
they can take to reduce the risks associated with the diseases, and
those who are taking part in this worthwhile endeavor are indeed
deserving of recognition for their efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commend all those who are working to raise awareness about
colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome and extend to them sincere
best wishes for continued success in their important work.