House Resolution No. [insert number] was introduced by Representative Mihalek on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Human Services on the same day. The resolution aims to designate March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It highlights the significance of colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum and is often linked to polyps. The resolution outlines the serious nature of the disease, noting that one in 24 individuals will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and emphasizes the importance of early detection through screening, particularly colonoscopies, which can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer.

The resolution also addresses disparities in colorectal cancer rates among different racial and ethnic groups, with Black Americans and Native communities facing higher incidence and mortality rates. It underscores the need for increased awareness and screening, as only 66% of Pennsylvania adults over 45 have been screened, despite the potential for prevention through early detection. The resolution calls for recognition of March 2025 as a month dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of screening to improve outcomes and save lives.