March 2022: 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 it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined; and,

WHEREAS, it is estimate that over 151,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and more than 52,000 people will die of colon cancer nationwide in 2022; 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, colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are disproportionately higher among racial and ethnic minorities, with Blacks and American Indian/Alaskan Natives experiencing the greatest disparities; and,

WHEREAS, the national goal established by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is to strive to increase timely colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent in every community for all Americans eligible for screening; and,

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

WHEREAS, observing a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during the month of March would provide 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 2022 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.