Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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June 16, 2024
WHEREAS, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition that results in high numbers of polyps developing within the colon and rectum, significantly increases an individual’s risk of colorectal cancer; and,
WHEREAS, genetic changes related to FAP lead to the development of hundreds of polyps within the colon, frequently beginning during an individual’s teenage years, which if left untreated leads to cancer developing, on average by age 39; and,
WHEREAS, Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (AFAP) is a variant of the condition, which causes fewer polyps to develop and at a later age, with an average age of cancer diagnosis at 55 when left untreated; and,
WHEREAS, undiagnosed FAP/AFAP can increase the risk for cancer to develop in the stomach, small intestine, liver, brain, thyroid, and pancreas, and can cause other health conditions such as osteomas and desmoid tumors; and,
WHEREAS, having a parent, sibling, or child with the condition increases an individual’s risk of FAP/AFAP. Knowing your family health history and discussing it with your health care provider can help determine if genetic counseling and/or genetic testing would be appropriate; and,
WHEREAS, understanding your risk for FAP/AFAP can help health care providers determine an appropriate treatment and screening protocol for the prevention or early detection of colorectal and other cancers; and,
WHEREAS, during this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services joins with the Michigan Cancer Genetics Alliance and the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor to raise awareness of FAP/AFAP. Michigan residents are encouraged to gather their family health history, and share this information with a health care provider for early screening and prevention of cancers associated with these conditions;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 16-22, 2024, as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week in Michigan.