Bill Text: PA HR965 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Recognizing the Luzerne County Colorectal Cancer Task Force for its work to combat colon cancer and encouraging citizens of Luzerne County to undergo screening.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2010-09-29 - Adopted [HR965 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2009-HR965-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 4375
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 965 Session of2010
INTRODUCED BY EACHUS, CALTAGIRONE, KIRKLAND, KORTZ, ROCK, DONATUCCI, ADOLPH, MIRABITO, GEORGE, MUSTIO, SIPTROTH, BOBACK, MILLARD, GODSHALL, YUDICHAK, BISHOP, SWANGER, MAJOR, PALLONE, GRUCELA, MUNDY, FREEMAN, CARROLL, VULAKOVICH, GOODMAN, BROOKS, PHILLIPS, READSHAW, MANN, EVERETT, BRADFORD, BEYER, BELFANTI, K. SMITH, CLYMER, FABRIZIO, PASHINSKI, YOUNGBLOOD, SONNEY, DALEY, ROSS, STABACK, HESS, GEIST AND DeLUCA, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the Luzerne County Colorectal Cancer Task Force for
its work to combat colon cancer and encouraging citizens of
Luzerne County to undergo screening.
WHEREAS, Despite being a cancer that can be prevented,
colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer
deaths in the United States and the leading cause of cancer
deaths among nonsmokers; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, an estimated 142,570 Americans will be
diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 51,370 Americans will die
from the disease, including 2,610 Pennsylvanians; and
WHEREAS, Perhaps the least understood aspect of colorectal
cancer is the fact that it can be stopped before it starts by
getting screened and removing noncancerous polyps; and
WHEREAS, If cancerous polyps are detected early, 90% of
people survive at least five years; and
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WHEREAS, Increasing colorectal cancer screening among adults
50 years of age and older represents the single greatest
opportunity to decrease colorectal cancer death rates in this
country; and
WHEREAS, Despite this fact, colorectal cancer screening rates
in this Commonwealth are lower than most other states, and the
incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer in
Pennsylvania are higher than the national average; and
WHEREAS, Luzerne County has an alarming rate of colorectal
cancer diagnoses - 20% higher than the State average and nearly
24% higher than the national average; and
WHEREAS, The Luzerne County Colorectal Cancer Task Force was
formed to combat the high rates of colorectal cancer incidence
in Luzerne County; and
WHEREAS, The Luzerne County Colorectal Task Force is
comprised of representatives from the American Cancer Society,
Geisinger Health Plan, King's College, Maternal and Family
Health Services, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Wilkes-
Barre City Health Department and Colorectal Cancer Survivors;
and
WHEREAS, The Luzerne County Colorectal Cancer Task Force has
created a pilot program targeting employees of five businesses
in Luzerne County to educate and promote screening for
colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, The pilot has had success in improving screening
rates for employees of the five businesses and is an example of
a best community health practice; and
WHEREAS, The task force will continue to expand its pilot
program with a goal of increasing screening rates throughout
Luzerne County and to serve as a model for the entire
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Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
important efforts of the Luzerne County Colorectal Cancer Task
Force; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage every
citizen 50 years of age and older and those with a strong family
history to talk to a health care provider about screening
options.
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