HR0876 LRB096 20004 GRL 35495 r
1		HOUSE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, In the United States, approximately 12,000 women
3		each year are diagnosed with cervical cancer; approximately
4		4,000 women each year die from cervical cancer in the U.S.; and
5		WHEREAS, Half of the women diagnosed with the disease are
6		between 35 and 55 years of age; approximately 20% of diagnoses
7		are made in women older than 65; and
8		WHEREAS, Cervical cancer rates vary, but occur more often
9		in African-American women and Hispanic women than in
10		non-Hispanic white women; and
11		WHEREAS, Cervical cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer
12		that may not have symptoms; cervical cancer is primarily caused
13		by the human papillomavirus (HPV), but can be detected by
14		Papanicolaou test (Pap tests) or other early detection tests;
15		and
16		WHEREAS, The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
17		provides access to screening and treatment options, including
18		free pelvic exams and Pap tests for qualifying uninsured women;
19		and
20		WHEREAS, Detecting cervical cancer in its earliest stages

HR0876 - 2 - LRB096 20004 GRL 35495 r
1		greatly improves survival rates; and
2		WHEREAS, Over 90% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer
3		can survive when the cancer is localized and is caught in its
4		early stages; therefore, be it
5		RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
6		NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
7		designate the month of January as Cervical Health Awareness
8		Month in the State of Illinois and encourage the citizens of
9		this State to recognize the importance of good cervical health
10		and of detecting cervical cancer in its earliest stages; and be
11		it further
12		RESOLVED, That we recognize the patients and survivors of
13		cervical cancer for their tremendous courage and
14		determination.