Resolution 240124

..Title Recognizing March 2024 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month," and promoting the public awareness of the risk of colon cancer. ..Body WHEREAS, March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is the third most common and lethal cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States and it remains one of the deadliest cancers in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, In 2024, an estimated 152,810 cases of CRC will be diagnosed in the United States, and a total of 53,010 people will die from this cancer; and WHEREAS, It is estimated that there will be 6,550 new colon cancer cases and 2,230 deaths in Pennsylvania this year from this deadly disease; and WHEREAS, CRC is one of the most highly preventable forms of cancer because screening tests can find polyps-tiny growths within the colon or rectum-that can be removed before becoming cancerous; and WHEREAS, Screening tests can detect CRC early, when treatment is most effective; and WHEREAS, CRC screening rates in Philadelphia are suboptimal with one quarter of Philadelphians not being screened for colorectal cancer; and WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society and United States Prevention Services Task Force estimates that if every individual aged 45 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60 percent of deaths from CRC could be prevented; and WHEREAS, CRC screenings can effectively reduce CRC incidence and mortality, however 1 in 3 adults over 50 years of age are not up to date with recommended CRC screening; and WHEREAS, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has partnered with faith-based community and nonprofit organizations, including the Philadelphia 76ers, in efforts to increase CRC screening awareness and access to free fecal immunochemical test ("FIT") which helps to reduce the burden of this disease among Philadelphia residents; and WHEREAS, "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" is observed in March to highlight the importance of screening for CRC, as well as to promote healthy lifestyle habits that can decrease a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes March 2024 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month." ..End