WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined in the United States and remains a significant public health concern for Californians; and

WHEREAS, Every year, 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with, and 50,000 die from, colorectal cancer, making it the leading cause of cancer death among Americans 18 to 49 years of age, inclusive. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or a personal or family history of the disease face a heightened risk and should talk to their doctors about new advancements in cancer screening. Regular screening is recommended beginning at 45 years of age, as it has been shown that early detection of cancer may result in more effective treatment; and

WHEREAS, According to the California Cancer Registry, colorectal cancer incidence among Californians under age 50 has increased by approximately 3 percent annually over the past decade, underscoring a growing public health concern affecting younger adults and families throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for men and the second leading cause for women under the age of 50, reflecting a troubling rise in early-onset colorectal cancer among working-age Californians; and

WHEREAS, American Indian and Alaskan Native populations and Black Californians experience higher rates of colorectal cancer diagnosis and mortality compared to other racial and ethnic groups, highlighting persistent health inequities across the state; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is projected to account for a significant share of cancer-related deaths among Hispanic men and women, a population that represents a substantial and growing portion of California’s residents; and

WHEREAS, Californians living in rural and medically underserved communities face higher rates of colorectal cancer diagnosis and mortality due in part to barriers in access to preventive care, screening, and specialty treatment; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is a devastating disease, but there is reason for hope. Since 1975, medical advancements have saved an estimated 940,000 Americans from colorectal cancer, thanks to the incredible efforts of our exceptional American doctors and researchers. By improving prevention and screening processes, medical advancements have given people more precious moments with those they hold dear; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is among the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early through routine screening and timely followup care; and

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has established a national goal of achieving an 80 percent colorectal cancer screening rate among age-eligible adults, a goal that aligns with California’s public health priorities to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality; and

WHEREAS, California is at the forefront of medical technology. In 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the first blood test for people at average risk for colon cancer. This advancement, created by a company founded and headquartered in the Golden State, is another tool in the toolbox, which also includes colonoscopies and stool tests, giving patients the ability to choose the option that works best for them in consultation with their doctors; and

WHEREAS, The observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month each March provides an important opportunity to increase public awareness, promote lifesaving screenings, and advance statewide efforts to improve coverage for new screening tools and colorectal health outcomes for all Californians; now, therefore, be it