March 2021: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women; and,

 

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 52,980 deaths during 2021; and,

 

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with timely screening to find and remove pre-cancerous polyps, and due to COVID-19, the total number of colonoscopies and biopsies performed declined nearly 90% by mid-April 2020 compared to the same period the previous year; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is estimated that over 145,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and over 53,000 people died of colorectal cancer in 2020; and,

 

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are disproportionately higher among racial and ethnic minorities; and,

 

WHEREAS, the national goal established by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable strives to increase timely colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent for all eligible Americans nationwide; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is critical that people of all ages recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease; and,

 

WHEREAS, observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during the month of March provides a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2021 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.