Bill Text: DE SCR163 | 2023-2024 | 152nd General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: Designating May 27, 2024, As Brain Cancer Awareness Day In The State Of Delaware.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-7)

Status: (Engrossed) 2024-05-23 - Passed In House by Voice Vote [SCR163 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2023-SCR163-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Sen. Hoffner & Rep. Ramone & Rep. Spiegelman
Sens. Hocker, Huxtable, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Sokola; Reps. Bush, Carson, Hensley, Morrison, Osienski, Romer, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 163

DESIGNATING MAY 27, 2024, AS “BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the National Brain Tumor Society estimates that more than 1,000,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor, 94,390 people were diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 2023, and approximately 25,400 people will be diagnosed with a malignant primary brain tumor in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the National Brain Tumor Society reports that, each year, approximately 70,000 to 200,000 people are diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer, a disease that presents unique challenges; and

WHEREAS, according to State Cancer Profiles, which is produced in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the age-adjusted incidence of brain cancer in Delaware is 6.4 cases per 100,000 people per year, which equals an average of 73 cases annually; and

WHEREAS, brain cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, with survival rates for many types of brain tumors that are lower than the survival rates of many other types of cancer; and

WHEREAS, the National Brain Tumor Society reports that brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults who are 19 years old or younger and the relative 5-year survival rate for all patients with malignant brain tumors is only 35.7%; and

WHEREAS, although not all cases of brain cancer are preventable, encouraging health and lifestyle factors, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding known risk factors like smoking, may reduce the risk of brain cancer; and

WHEREAS, many symptoms of brain cancer, such as headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, and personality changes, are nonspecific and can easily be attributed to other causes; and

WHEREAS, educating the public about the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of brain cancer helps individuals recognize if they or a loved one may need to seek medical attention, leads to early detection and prompt treatment, encourages risk factor reduction, and improves outcomes for patients; and

WHEREAS, treating brain cancer is challenging due to the complexity of the brain and the potential risks associated with surgery and other interventions; and

WHEREAS, increasing brain cancer awareness raises public and political support for funding research to develop more effective brain cancer treatment options including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and ultimately a cure; and

WHEREAS, like many other forms of cancer, there are stigmas and misconceptions surrounding brain cancer; and

WHEREAS, fostering a collective effort to address brain cancer can lead to better outcomes for patients and families affected by this devastating disease; and

WHEREAS, “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” focuses on the experiences of individuals affected by brain cancer and empowers them to share their stories, which helps overcome stigmas, corrects misconceptions, fosters a supportive community for patients and their families, and helps patients and caregivers navigate their journey with greater knowledge and support by sharing resources, support networks, and information about available services; and

WHEREAS, “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” is critical to educating the public about the risk factors and symptoms of brain cancer, improving early detection of brain cancer, supporting patients and caregivers affected by brain cancer, advocating funding brain cancer research, and reducing stigmas and misconceptions associated with brain cancer.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152 ^nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that May 27, 2024, is hereby proclaimed “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” in Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution designates May 27, 2024, as “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware. “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” brings attention to the experiences of individuals affected by brain cancer and empowers them to share their stories, which helps overcome stigmas, corrects misconceptions, fosters a supportive community for patients and their families, and helps patients and caregivers to navigate their journey with greater knowledge and support by sharing resources, support networks, and information about available services. “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” is critical to educating the public about brain cancer and to supporting research funding for effective brain cancer treatments including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and ultimately a cure.

Author: Senator Hoffner