Bill Text: NJ SJR14 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates third week in January of each year as "Teen Cancer Awareness Week." *
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-12-08 - Approved P.L.2010, JR-6 [SJR14 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-SJR14-Introduced.html
No. 14
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
214th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2010 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator JAMES BEACH
District 6 (Camden)
SYNOPSIS
Designates third week in January of each year as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Week."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
A Joint Resolution designating the third week in January of each year as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Week."
Whereas, Cancer in children is rare, accounting for about one percent of all cancers. However, despite its rarity and significant advancements in treatment and supportive care, cancer is still a leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years of age, second only to accidents; and
Whereas, The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2008, 10,730 children under 15 years of age will be diagnosed with cancer, and 1,490 children will die from the disease in this country; and
Whereas, Over the past 20 years, childhood cancer death rates have dramatically declined and five-year survival rates have increased for most childhood cancers. This improvement in survival rates is due to significant advances in treatment, resulting in a cure or long-term remission for a substantial proportion of children with cancer; and
Whereas, Oftentimes, childhood cancer survivors have difficulty re-adjusting to school and social settings. Many feel anxiety, and some, due to the type of cancer, face increased learning difficulty. Programs which contribute to a child's ability to cope with his or her illness, and be compliant with their treatment, prove to be effective in the comprehensive treatment of childhood cancer; and
Whereas, In New Jersey, from 1979 through 2005, 6,945 cases of cancer were diagnosed among children 14 years of age and younger. During this period, New Jersey childhood cancer incidence rates were higher in each age group and for both males and females than those for the United States; and
Whereas, It is appropriate that all citizens of the State of New Jersey be better informed about the risk factors of childhood cancers, as well as the impact childhood cancer has on the child, family, and community; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The third week in January of each year is designated as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Week" in the State of New Jersey in order to promote awareness about childhood cancers and their impact on the child, family, community, and society.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs, which promote awareness about childhood cancers.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the third week in January of each year as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Week" in the State of New Jersey. Despite the fact that childhood cancer is rare and that significant advancements in treatment and supportive care have been made, according to the American Cancer Society, as of 2008, cancer is still a leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years of age, second only to accidents.
Over the past 20 years, childhood cancer death rates have dramatically declined and five-year survival rates have increased for most childhood cancers. This improvement in survival rates is due to significant advances in treatment, resulting in a cure or long-term remission for a substantial proportion of children with cancer.
Oftentimes, childhood cancer survivors have difficulty re-adjusting to school and social settings. Many children feel anxiety, and some, due to the type of cancer, face increased learning difficulty. Programs which contribute to a child's ability to cope with their illness, and be compliant with his or her treatment, have proven to be effective in the comprehensive treatment of childhood cancer.
As citizens of this State, it is important to understand the risk factors of childhood cancers, as well as the impact childhood cancer has on the child, family, and community.
The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs, which promote awareness about childhood cancers.
