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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11
IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION
BY REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN
Introduced: 2/20/24
Referred: Health and Social Services, State Affairs
A RESOLUTION
1 Proclaiming January 2025 to be Alcohol Cancer Awareness Month.
2 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
3 WHEREAS alcohol consumption is the third leading modifiable cancer risk factor,
4 following cigarette smoking and excess body weight; and
5 WHEREAS, between 2013 and 2016, alcohol use accounted for an estimated 75,199
6 cancer cases and 18,947 cancer deaths annually in the United States; and
7 WHEREAS moderate alcohol consumption, defined as less than 1.5 drinks a day on
8 average, is associated with a significant portion, between 26 and 35 percent, of cancer deaths;
9 and
10 WHEREAS alcohol contributes to cancer through various mechanisms, including the
11 production of acetaldehyde, a carcinogen, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation,
12 disruption of folate absorption, and interference with estrogen pathways; and
13 WHEREAS the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies alcohol as a
14 Group I carcinogen; and
15 WHEREAS, even light and moderate drinking, defined as up to one and up to two
16 drinks a day, respectively, has been linked to increased risks for various cancers, including
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1 breast, colorectal, oral cavity, pharynx, and esophageal cancer; and
2 WHEREAS, while some studies suggest moderate alcohol consumption may be
3 associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to not drinking at all, recent
4 research, including Mendelian randomization studies, questions the validity of these findings;
5 and
6 WHEREAS Mendelian randomization studies, which reduce confounding factors,
7 indicate that the supposed health benefits of moderate drinking may not be caused by alcohol
8 consumption itself; and
9 WHEREAS the latest research, including Mendelian randomization studies, confirms
10 the association between alcohol consumption and certain cancers, highlighting the ongoing
11 health risks posed by alcohol consumption;
12 BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature proclaims January 2025 to be
13 Alcohol Cancer Awareness Month in the state; and be it
14 FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature proclaims the first week
15 of January 2025 to be a week to wear periwinkle, the official color of esophageal cancer
16 awareness, and to work to make residents of the state aware of the increased risk for various
17 cancers stemming from the consumption of alcohol; and be it
18 FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports and encourages
19 all state employees and other residents of the state to support alcohol cancer awareness
20 efforts.
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