Assembly Resolution No. 229 BY: M. of A. Gibbs MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2023, as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women, combined, in the United States; and WHEREAS, It is estimated that in the year 2023, over 153,020 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States; and WHEREAS, In the year 2023, the disease is expected to kill an estimated 52,550 individuals in this country; and WHEREAS, An estimated 8,970 men and women in the State of New York will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the year 2023; and WHEREAS, In November of 1999, the United States Senate passed legislation declaring March 2000 as the first-ever National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, The Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc. (CCA) will continue working with Congress for coverage, education, and awareness so that colorectal cancer is detected early and lives are saved; and WHEREAS, Screening for colorectal cancer is underutilized; less than 50 percent of individuals above age 50 receive annual screenings for colorectal cancer; and WHEREAS, Regular screenings, which can detect polyps that lead to colorectal cancer, can save lives; and WHEREAS, Education can help inform the public about methods of prevention, and about symptoms, to aid in early detection; and WHEREAS, Adopting a healthy diet at a young age can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer; and WHEREAS, The State of New York should help inform the public about colorectal cancer prevention and screening; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2023, as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; and The Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc.