A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE MARCH 2026 AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS OF THE PALMETTO STATE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION.

 

Whereas, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths; and

 

Whereas, the American Cancer Society estimates that this year there will be almost 2,600 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the Palmetto State and that more than 900 South Carolinians will lose their lives to this disease; and

 

Whereas, approximately one in six new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in those individuals younger than age fifty, and, according to experts, early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) likely will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in this age group by the year 2030; and

 

Whereas, unlike breast cancer and prostate cancer, colorectal cancer actually can be prevented in most cases by appropriate screening; and

 

Whereas, colorectal cancer screening is still underutilized in the general population; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina has been recognized as a leader in the nation for innovative colorectal cancer screening programs; and

 

Whereas, when colorectal cancer is detected at early stages, the likelihood of long-term survival is excellent; and

 

Whereas, because of screening and early detection, there are over 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare March 2026 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in South Carolina and encourage all citizens of the Palmetto State to learn more about colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

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