TITLE: Recognizing March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy and health care professionals nationwide in observing March of 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States; a number of hereditary and preexisting health conditions can increase a person's chance of developing this type of cancer, and early and routine screening has proven to detect abnormalities and address related issues effectively; and WHEREAS, Screening can help gastroenterologists identify precancerous polyps when they are in a more treatable stage and before they become cancerous; medical professionals also strive to promote awareness and prevention by recommending certain lifestyle practices that have been shown to reduce risk and help protect against this disease; and WHEREAS, Among the organizations working to increase prevention and improve the care of patients with colorectal cancer is the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, a statewide professional association dedicated to providing high-quality medical education and advocating on behalf of patients and health care providers; this exemplary group has helped to enhance patient care by supporting the successful passage of a statewide colorectal cancer screening mandate and by creating the Colorectal Cancer Treatment Initiative to increase access to preventive measures for underserved Texans; and WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy are gathering at the State Capitol on March 4, 2025, for a day of legislative advocacy and to demonstrate their support for policies that advance innovations in digestive health sciences and ensure all Texans have access to lifesaving cancer screenings; the members of the society and all those taking part in this worthwhile endeavor are truly deserving of special recognition for their contributions to the improvement of health care in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize March of 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and commend the members of the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy for their exemplary efforts on behalf of patients and medical workers in Texas and across the nation; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Eckhardt, Campbell, Parker, Zaffirini Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2025.