SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 325
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 State of Texas, 88th
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.
Perry
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 20, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate