1.1                             A resolution 
  1.2             promoting colorectal cancer awareness in Minnesota. 
  1.3      
  1.4      WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society reports that 
  1.5   colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and 
  1.6   women and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United 
  1.7   States; and 
  1.8      WHEREAS, every year there are over 130,000 new cases of 
  1.9   colorectal cancer and 56,300 deaths from colorectal cancer in 
  1.10  the United States, and more than 2,300 new cases of colorectal 
  1.11  cancer and 900 deaths from colorectal cancer in Minnesota; and 
  1.12     WHEREAS, regular cancer screening for colorectal cancer has 
  1.13  been shown to reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by one-third; 
  1.14  and 
  1.15     WHEREAS, regular screenings for colorectal cancer can also 
  1.16  prevent colorectal cancer through detection and removal of 
  1.17  precancerous polyps; and 
  1.18     WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning 
  1.19  at age 50, people with an average risk should consult with a 
  1.20  physician about having regular testing for colorectal cancer as 
  1.21  part of a regular annual examination; and 
  1.22     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to promote public 
  1.23  awareness of the benefits and values of early detection, 
  1.24  prevention, and treatment of colorectal cancer; NOW, THEREFORE, 
  2.1      BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota 
  2.2   that it supports March as Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Awareness 
  2.3   Month. 
  2.4      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commissioner of the 
  2.5   Department of Health of the State of Minnesota is directed to 
  2.6   consider how to increase colorectal cancer screening in 
  2.7   Minnesota and how to promote the colorectal cancer screening 
  2.8   recommendations of the American Cancer Society and other 
  2.9   nationally recognized organizations. 
  2.10     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the 
  2.11  State of Minnesota is directed to prepare copies of this 
  2.12  memorial and transmit them to the commissioner of the Minnesota 
  2.13  Department of Health and the American Cancer Society.