DELAWARE STATE SENATE

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 27

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2019 AS “COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Delaware, killing some 170 Delawareans every year; and

WHEREAS, more than 134,490 adults are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year; and

WHEREAS, rates of death due to colon cancer in Delaware are 36% higher among African Americans than among other Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, from the 2000-2004 to 2010-2014 time periods, Delaware’s colorectal cancer incidence rate decreased 31%, a higher decrease than the comparable U.S. rate (23%); and

WHEREAS, ranked 35th nationally, Delaware’s colorectal cancer incidence rate of 37.8 diagnoses per 100,000 was lower than the U.S. rate of 40.1 per 100,000; and

WHEREAS, comparing the 1997-2001 and 2007-2011 time periods, Delaware’s colorectal cancer incidence rate declined 28.7%, while the U.S. incidence rate declined 20.8%; and

WHEREAS, for the 2007-2011 time period, Delaware’s colorectal cancer incidence rate among African Americans was 43.6 per 100,000, lower than the national average for the first time since cancer surveillance efforts began; and

WHEREAS, when adults are screened for colorectal cancer, it can be detected early and, in some cases, can be prevented; and

WHEREAS, in 2012, Delaware ranked 4th in the United States for the number of colorectal cancer screenings; and

WHEREAS, data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance survey revealed that nearly 76% of Delawareans age 50 and older had been screened for colorectal cancer; and

WHEREAS, for the 2007-2011 time period, 55% of all colorectal cancer cases in Delaware were detected in the regional or distant stages after the cancer had spread from its original location; and

WHEREAS, the percentage of regional and distant cancer diagnoses reflected a 13.7% decrease since 1997-2001; and

WHEREAS, approximately 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75, equaling approximately 23 million people nationwide, have not been screened for colorectal cancer as recommended; and

WHEREAS, Hispanics, rural populations, men, 50 to 64-year-olds, and low education and low-income populations are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer;    

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 150th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that March, 2019 is recognized as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware and all citizens of Delaware are urged to recognize this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Delaware urges Delawareans aged 50-75 to be screened for colorectal cancer during 2019.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate concurrent resolution designates March 2019 as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator McBride