Senate Engrossed

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-third Legislature First Regular Session 2017

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1016

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

proclaiming October 13, 2017 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain; and

Whereas, thousands of families across Arizona are affected by metastatic breast cancer; and

Whereas, much of the discussion surrounding breast cancer focuses on early detection and routine diagnosis, areas in which there has been tremendous progress over the last 30 years; and

Whereas, the story for advanced disease is quite different as metastatic breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment; and

Whereas, there is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer, and those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment indefinitely with the goals of extending and ensuring the best possible quality of life; and

Whereas, more than one in eight women in the United States will be affected by invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes; and

Whereas, in Arizona, it is expected that 4,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017; and

Whereas, breast cancer can spread quickly and inexplicably, regardless of the treatment or preventative measures taken; and

Whereas, approximately 6% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases are diagnosed as metastatic breast cancer, and it is estimated that 20% to 30% of early stage breast cancer cases will become metastatic or recurrent advanced cases; and

Whereas, this devastating disease affects all races and socioeconomic classes; and

Whereas, although white women see the greatest incidence of breast cancer, the mortality rate for African-American women with breast cancer is higher than it is for white women and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic women; and

Whereas, any discussions of breast cancer should cover the entire spectrum from screening through metastatic breast cancer; and

Whereas, the burdens of metastatic breast cancer on the patient, the patient's family and the patient's health and finances are large; and

Whereas, metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many people in Arizona, leaving a lasting effect on their families; and

Whereas, while there have been treatment advances in metastatic breast cancer, many of those advances have benefitted only a small subset of patients with specific types of metastatic breast cancer; and

Whereas, while metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is reason to be hopeful as extensive research efforts are underway to address this unmet need; and

Whereas, ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database that provides patients, the family members of patients and the public with information about current ongoing clinical research studies; and

Whereas, additional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, the needs of patients and promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments; and

Whereas, there is still more research to be done for metastatic breast cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed; and

Whereas, individuals who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can speak with their physicians to learn more about the disease and find support groups and services in their community or online.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

1.  That the Members of the Legislature proclaim October 13, 2017 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Arizona.

2.  That the Members of the Legislature express their commitment to the advancement of critical research and treatments for metastatic breast cancer.