PRINTER'S NO. 997
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 127
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY J.HARRIS, GALLAGHER, KHAN, HARKINS, McNEILL,
BRENNAN, VENKAT AND PICKETT, MARCH 17, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, MARCH 17, 2025
A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing the month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer
2 Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
3 WHEREAS, Since February 2000, March has been nationally
4 recognized as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month," dedicated to
5 raising the profile of this disease and encouraging screening,
6 specifically highlighting the importance of early detection and
7 prevention; and
8 WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly
9 diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related
10 deaths in both men and women in the United States, making it one
11 of the most lethal forms of cancer nationwide; and
12 WHEREAS, In 2024, Penn State Health reported that in
13 Pennsylvania, approximately 34% of those diagnosed with
14 colorectal cancer die from the disease; and
15 WHEREAS, Penn State Health acknowledges that although rates
16 have decreased overall, they are increasing among adults younger
17 than 55 years of age; and
18 WHEREAS, New recommendations state that people should be
 1 screened starting at 45 years of age rather than 50 years of
2 age, and the Department of Health also recommends that people
3 begin screening at 45 years of age; and
4 WHEREAS, In 2025, it is estimated that 154,000 new cases of
5 colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States; and
6 WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable
7 forms of cancer, as routine screenings can detect precancerous
8 polyps in the colon or rectum, allowing for polyp removal before
9 they become cancerous; and
10 WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society and the United States
11 Preventive Services Task Force recommend that individuals 45
12 years of age and older undergo regular colorectal cancer
13 screenings, which could prevent up to 60% of deaths from
14 colorectal cancer; and
15 WHEREAS, Despite the proven effectiveness of colorectal
16 cancer screenings in reducing incidence and mortality, one in
17 three adults over 50 years of age is not up to date with
18 recommended screening guidelines; and
19 WHEREAS, In July 2024, the United States Food and Drug
20 Administration approved the first-ever blood test for colorectal
21 cancer screening, providing a less invasive alternative to
22 traditional screening methods and increasing accessibility to
23 early detection; and
24 WHEREAS, "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" serves as an
25 opportunity to emphasize the importance of routine screenings,
26 raise awareness about risk factors and encourage individuals to
27 adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can lower the risk of
28 developing colorectal cancer; therefore be it
29 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
30 month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in
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1 Pennsylvania; and be it further
2 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all
3 residents of this Commonwealth to join in raising awareness,
4 promoting screenings and supporting efforts to prevent and treat
5 colorectal cancer.
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