Bill Text: NJ SJR21 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates March 6th of every year as "World Lymphedema Day."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-01-25 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SJR21 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-SJR21-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator RICHARD J. CODEY
District 27 (Essex and Morris)
SYNOPSIS
Designates March 6th of every year as "World Lymphedema Day."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating March 6th as "World Lymphedema Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Lymphedema is a chronic condition in which the flow of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system, is impaired and as a result the lymphatic fluid in an affected area of the body, often an arm or leg, cannot drain properly; and
Whereas, When present at birth the condition is referred to as primary lymphedema, while secondary lymphedema is that which results from damage to the lymphatic system due to radiation therapy, surgery, severe burns, or other traumatic injury; and
Whereas, Those suffering from lymphedema often first notice a heaviness, tightness, warmth, or tingling sensation in the affected extremity. As the condition progresses, the swelling of the extremity becomes pronounced and painful, seriously impairing the affected person's mobility, functioning, and quality of life; and
Whereas, In the United States, lymphedema is often a result of treatment for breast cancer, although survivors of other types of cancer may be susceptible to developing the condition, particularly those treated for cancers of the neck and head; and
Whereas, Historically, medical students received very little, if any, instruction regarding lymphedema, with the result that physicians may not discuss the risk of lymphedema with their patients who are facing treatment for cancer, and frequently the condition is misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed; and
Whereas, The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) estimates that as many as 10 million Americans suffer from lymphedema and other lymphatic disease, while lymphedema is estimated to affect 15 percent of all cancer survivors and 40 percent of breast cancer patients; and
Whereas, The National Cancer Institute predicts a 42 percent increase in cancer survivors aged 65 years and older, and that as many as 3 million Medicare beneficiaries who are cancer survivors will require treatment for lymphedema by 2020; and
Whereas, Once lymphedema develops it can be very difficult to manage through treatment, and because of the risks and difficulties posed by the condition, those afflicted must often modify their lives to such an extent that they may not be able to participate in many activities that they previously enjoyed; and
Whereas, Because the condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated, lymphedema results in unquantifiable annual costs to health care providers and insurers, including Medicare, due to the high potential for acute infection which, when it occurs, requires emergency treatment; and
Whereas, In light of the severe physical, psychological, and financial impact of lymphedema on individuals and society, it is incumbent upon the State to recognize and support the courageous individuals living with this debilitating condition; and
Whereas, It is fitting to recognize and support the individuals and organizations that advocate tirelessly to educate health care providers and the public about lymphedema; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. "World Lymphedema Day" in New Jersey shall be observed annually on March 6th to recognize the considerable challenges faced by individuals who suffer from lymphedema, to support them and their caregivers, and to increase awareness of the condition among health care providers and the public.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "World Lymphedema Day" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates March 6th of every year as "World Lymphedema Day" in New Jersey. Lymphedema is a chronic condition in which the flow of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system, is impaired and as a result the lymphatic fluid in an affected area of the body, often an arm or leg, cannot drain properly. As the condition progresses, swelling of the affected extremity becomes pronounced and painful, seriously impairing the affected person's mobility, functioning, and quality of life. Damage to the lymphatic system due to radiation therapy, surgery, severe burns, or other traumatic injury can result in lymphedema, and in the United States, the condition is frequently a result of treatment for breast cancer. The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) estimates that 10 million Americans suffer from lymphedema and other lymphatic disease, while lymphedema is estimated to affect 15 percent of all cancer survivors and 40 percent of breast cancer patients.
Because medical students generally receive very little instruction regarding lymphedema, physicians may not discuss the risk of lymphedema with their patients who are facing treatment for cancer, and lymphedema is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. In light of the severe physical, psychological, and financial impact of lymphedema on individuals and society, it is incumbent upon the State to recognize and support the courageous individuals living with this debilitating condition, and the tireless advocates who work to increase lymphedema awareness among healthcare providers and the public.
