REFERENCE TITLE: cancer screen week 2020

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session 2020

SCR 1019

Introduced by Senators Brophy McGee: Allen S, Bowie, Pace, Steele

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

proclaiming november 30-december 5, 2020 as cancer screen week in arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 600,000 people in the United States will lose their lives to cancer in 2020; and

Whereas, the American Cancer Society estimates that 12,580 people in Arizona will die from cancer in 2020; and

Whereas, at least 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States—about 740,000 cases in 2019—were potentially avoidable, including the 19% of all cancers caused by smoking and the 18% of cancers caused by a combination of excess body weight, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption and poor nutrition; and

      Whereas, the cancer death rate dropped 27% between 1991 and 2016 because of reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment; and

Whereas, according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for cancers found at the early stage are about 56% of lung cancers, 90% of colon and rectum cancers, 92% of cervical cancers, 99% of breast cancers and 98% of melanoma and other skin cancers; and

Whereas, many of these cancers are often preventable, and early detection and treatment are critical as cancer does not always cause symptoms and may occur in people with no family history; and

      Whereas, specific cancer types disproportionately affect different populations.  Breast cancer, for example, is the most common form of cancer among Black women while prostate cancer incidence rates in Black men are 76% higher than the rate in White men. The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is more than double for Alaska Natives that of non‑Hispanic Whites and American Indians, cervical cancer is more prevalent among Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native and African‑American women and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is among the most common cancers in younger females; and

      Whereas, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of screening for many cancer types in recommended populations remain substantially below targeted goals; and

      Whereas, it is critical that people discuss their individual risk factors for cancer with their health care providers and understand the recommendations for, and benefits of, cancer screening; and

      Whereas, individuals who find, through screening, that they have cancer are presented with clear and complete options for further diagnostic or molecular testing and treatment by their health care providers.

Therefore

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

      That the Members of the Legislature proclaim November 30–December 5, 2020 as Cancer Screen Week in Arizona and encourage the citizens of Arizona to talk to their health care providers about their risk factors for all cancer types and recommended screening options.