TO RECOGNIZE FEBRUARY 12, 2020 AS "WORLD CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare form of cancer originating from the cells that line the bile ducts and play a key role in digestion. The three types of cholangiocarcinoma are intrahepactic, extrahepatic, and perihilar; and
Whereas, approximately twelve thousand Americans are diagnosed each year in the United States, with numbers increasing yearly. In the last decade, the mortality rate has increased dramatically; and
Whereas, since there is no validated early method of detection, patients are typically diagnosed at a late stage. Symptoms include jaundice and abdominal pain, along with itchy skin and weight loss, the latter of which do not usually present until advanced disease progression; and
Whereas, there is currently no cure for cholangiocarcinoma; and
Whereas, cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer. Of the top eight deadliest cancers, seven are rare. Rare cancers have a five-year survival rate under fifty percent, with the cholangiocarcinoma five-year survival rate being approximately twenty percent; and
Whereas, foundations, research and teaching hospitals, rare cancer advocate groups, and patient advocate groups from around the globe have joined forces to declare and recognize February twelfth of each year as "World Cholangiocarcinoma Day"; and
Whereas, cholangiocarcinoma awareness is represented by the color kelly green; and
Whereas, increased cholangiocarcinoma advocacy, awareness, research, and education will bring improved outcomes for patients in earlier detection and treatment and potential curative methods. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize February 12, 2020 as "World Cholangiocarcinoma Day" in South Carolina.