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Senate Resolution

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A resolution recognizing the month of March as "Colon

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Cancer Awareness Month" in Florida.

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     WHEREAS, colon cancer is one of the most prevalent, yet in

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most cases preventable, cancers, and

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     WHEREAS, among cancer cases in the State of Florida, colon

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cancer is the second-most-common cause of death among adult men

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and women, and

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     WHEREAS, it is possible to have colon or rectal cancer, yet

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not have any cancer symptoms, and

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     WHEREAS, it is estimated that 10,920 new cases of colon

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cancer will be diagnosed among Floridians and 3,420 will die from

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the disease during the year 2008, and

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     WHEREAS, the risk for colon cancer increases with age, with

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more than 90 percent of all colon and rectal cancers diagnosed in

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adults age 50 or older, and

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     WHEREAS, Floridians can significantly lower the number of

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incidents of colon cancer and deaths from this disease by

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complying with the American Cancer Society colon and rectal

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cancer screening guidelines, which includes beginning testing at

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age 50, and

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     WHEREAS, approximately 41 percent of Floridians age 50 and

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older report never having received a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

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exam, two of the screening exams recommended by the American

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Cancer Society, and

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     WHEREAS, regular screenings may lower death rates by

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detecting the disease at its earliest and most treatable stages,

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and may also prevent some cancers by detecting and removing

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polyps, and

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     WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society, Florida Division, has

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engaged in a comprehensive, integrated approach to significantly

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impact colorectal cancer in Florida through the launching of its

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"No Excuses Campaign to Defeat Colon Cancer in Florida," focusing

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primarily on increasing public awareness, affecting physician

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behavior through partnerships with health care organizations, and

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advocating for insurance coverage, NOW, THEREFORE,

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Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

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     That the Florida Senate recognizes the month of March 2008

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as "Colon Cancer Awareness Month" in Florida and urges all men

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and women to understand the risks associated with colon cancer,

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to take preventive steps to minimize those risks, and to undergo

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early detection procedures in compliance with the American Cancer

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Society's recommended colon cancer screening guidelines.