Supporting the designation of March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The resolution aims to increase awareness and education about colorectal cancer prevention, detection, and symptoms. It points out that while colorectal cancer can be highly preventable, a substantial portion of adults over the age of 50 are not regularly screened. The support of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is intended to mobilize public health campaigns that can effectively convey necessary information to potential patients, thereby increasing the rates of early detection and improving overall survival rates. With the anticipated increase in colorectal cancer cases amongst younger populations, the timing of this awareness campaign is seen as increasingly crucial.
House Resolution 180 (HR180) aims to support the designation of March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution emphasizes the major impact of colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States. The resolution underlines the importance of screening tests in preventing colorectal cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they develop into cancer. It highlights that regular screenings could significantly reduce mortality rates associated with the disease, with statistics indicating that if everyone aged 50 or older were screened, up to 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided.
While HR180 is primarily a supportive resolution and therefore may not face significant legislative contention, there is underlying concern about access to screening and preventative care, especially for underserved populations. Engaging public support and ensuring that effective educational programs are implemented could face challenges related to funding and healthcare disparities. Legislative supporters may advocate for the importance of preventive health measures, while critics might raise questions regarding how to effectively translate awareness into action, especially in increasing screening rates among groups that are historically underserved or have barriers to healthcare access.