Florida Senate - 2013                             (NP)    SR 426
       
       
       
       By Senator Montford
       
       
       
       
       3-00099A-13                                            2013426__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing the month of April as
    3         “Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in Florida.”
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is the fastest-growing cancer
    6  diagnosis in the United States, increasing more than 400 percent
    7  in the past 20 years, and
    8         WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of
    9  cancers, killing one American every 36 minutes, with fewer than
   10  one in five patients surviving 5 years, and
   11         WHEREAS, esophageal cancer has low survival rates because
   12  it is usually discovered at advanced stages, when treatment
   13  outcomes are poor, and
   14         WHEREAS, in the United States, esophageal cancer is most
   15  often caused by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux
   16  disease (GERD), yet many who are at risk are unaware of the
   17  potential danger GERD can present when it occurs over several
   18  weeks or months, and
   19         WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is often a silent killer, with
   20  patients often unaware that cough, hoarse voice, sore throat, or
   21  chest pain may be a sign of GERD and a reason to discuss
   22  screening for the disease with their health care professional,
   23  and
   24         WHEREAS, esophageal cancer may develop from GERD when acid
   25  from the stomach creates cellular change in the esophagus,
   26  resulting in a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s
   27  Esophagus, which can lead to a 125-fold increase in a patient’s
   28  risk of developing esophageal cancer, and
   29         WHEREAS, esophageal cancer may be prevented through early
   30  detection of its precursor, Barrett’s Esophagus, which can be
   31  treated with new, curative techniques, and
   32         WHEREAS, the Esophageal Cancer Action Network and
   33  Esophageal Cancer Support, Inc., are working to improve public
   34  awareness of the link between heartburn and cancer and actively
   35  support progress in the early detection and treatment of
   36  esophageal cancer, and
   37         WHEREAS, increased awareness of esophageal cancer, coupled
   38  with improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment
   39  strategies, will enhance the health and well-being of all
   40  Americans, NOW, THEREFORE,
   41  
   42  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   43  
   44         That the month of April is recognized as “Esophageal Cancer
   45  Awareness Month” in Florida.