WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is pleased to recognize and observe the month of February as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month in commemoration of all patients and caregivers impacted by the rare, lethal cancer; and,

WHEREAS, cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile duct, a thin tube, about 4 to 5 inches long, that reaches from the liver to the small intestine. The major function of the bile duct is to move a fluid called bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it helps digest the fats in food; and,

WHEREAS, there are three types of cholangiocarcinoma: intrahepatic, extrahepatic, and perihilar; and,

WHEREAS, an estimated 8,000 people in the United States develop cholangiocarcinoma each year, and the average age is 70 when it is found: and,

WHEREAS, the chances of survival for patients with bile duct cancer depends to a large extent on its location and how advanced it is when it is found; and,

WHEREAS, patients are typically diagnosed at a late stage due to no validated early method of detection. Symptoms of jaundice, abdominal pain, itchy skin and weight loss are symptoms that do not usually present till advanced disease progression; and,

WHEREAS, cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer with a 5-year survival rate being approximately 10%; and,

WHEREAS, if found early, surgery to remove the tumor may offer the only chance of a cure. However, cholangiocarcinoma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when surgery is no longer an option; and,

WHEREAS, foundations, research and teaching hospitals, rare cancer advocacy groups, and patient advocacy groups from around the globe have joined forces to recognize February as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month; and,

WHEREAS, increased cholangiocarcinoma advocacy, awareness, research, and education will bring improved outcomes for patients in earlier detection and treatment and potential curative methods; and,

WHEREAS, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) creating a new standard of care for cholangiocarcinoma patients with the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, proclaim February 2024 as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month in Michigan and encourage our citizens to remain committed to the continued support of research for treatment and a cure of cholangiocarcinoma.