June 14 - 20, 2020:Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Awareness Week

WHEREAS, hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes are a group of inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), that increase the risk of colorectal and other cancers; and,

 

WHEREAS, hereditary cancer syndromes account for 6-10 percent of all colorectal cancers, and an estimated 1 in 270 people are affected by a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, but most do not know it; and,

 

WHEREAS, knowing about these syndromes can help prevent cancers and lead to earlier detection and treatment; and,

 

WHEREAS, hereditary syndromes may be passed from biological parents to children; every person should attempt to learn their family history and share it with their health care provider to determine their risk of a hereditary cancer syndrome and, as appropriate, be referred for genetic services, including genetic counseling; and,

 

WHEREAS, genetic testing may determine if a cancer is hereditary, and a positive genetic test result may encourage regular preventative cancer screening for an affected individual to detect and remove any growths, polyps, or tumors before they can become life threatening; and,

 

WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Cancer Genetics Alliance, and community service partners to raise awareness of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, and we encourage all residents to document their personal and family health history and to share this information with their health care providers in order to take necessary steps to evaluate their individual risk and to communicate this with family members in order to save lives from hereditary cancer;

 

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of June 14-20, 2020, as Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Awareness Week in Michigan.