ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
cancer screen week 2020
Purpose
Establishes November 30, 2020, through December 5, 2020, as Cancer Screen Week in Arizona and encourages citizens to speak to their health care providers about risk factors for all cancer types and recommended screening options.
Background
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. They estimate that approximately 36,730 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Arizona in 2020. Screening increases the chances of catching certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully (ACS).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Establishes November 30, 2020, through December 5, 2020, as Cancer Screen Week in Arizona and encourages citizens to speak to their health care providers about their risk factors for all cancer types and recommended screening options.
2. States that the ACS estimates more than 600,000 people in the United States will lose their lives to cancer in 2020, and that 12,580 people in Arizona will die from cancer in 2020.
3. States that at least 42 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States were potentially avoidable.
4. Indicates that the cancer death rate dropped 27 percent between 1991 and 2016 due to reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.
5. Asserts that, according to the ACS, the five-year relative survival rate for cancers found at the early stage are about 56 percent of lung cancers, 90 percent of colon and rectum cancers, 92 percent of cervical cancers, 99 percent of breast cancers and 98 percent of melanoma and other skin cancers.
6. States that many cancers are preventable and early detection and treatment are critical as cancer does not always cause symptoms and can occur in people with no family history.
7. States that specific cancer types disproportionately affect different populations and that rates of screening for many cancer types in recommended populations remain substantially below target goals.
8. States that it is critical that people discuss their individual risk factors for cancer with their health care providers and understand the recommendations for and benefits of cancer screening.
9. Asserts that individuals who find, through screening, that they have cancer are presented with clear and complete options for further diagnostic or molecular testing and treatment by their health care providers.
10. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2020
CRS/KS/kja