Supporting the designation of March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
H. Res. 180 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing and supporting March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It notes that colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths but is highly preventable through screening, which can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous and enable early treatment. The resolution emphasizes that widespread screening could prevent a significant portion of deaths and highlights current gaps in screening, such as one in three adults over 50 not being up to date with recommended tests. It also presents compelling statistics (e.g., 90% 5-year survival for localized cancer, 39% for diagnoses at a later stage) to advocate for public education and awareness efforts. As a resolution, it is symbolic and does not create new laws or funding obligations; rather, it urges the public to observe the month with awareness and educational activities.
Key Points
- 1Designates March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and is a non-binding resolution (symbolic recognition, not legislation creating new programs or funding).
- 2Emphasizes that colorectal cancer is highly preventable through screening, which can find polyps before they become cancerous and detect cancer early when treatment is most effective.
- 3Highlights that if every person aged 50 or older were regularly screened, up to 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.
- 4Provides key statistics to illustrate impact and gaps: 5-year survival is 90% when localized, but only 39% of cases are diagnosed at that localized stage; about 1 in 3 adults over 50 are not up to date with recommended screening.
- 5Calls for public awareness and educational activities during March to inform people about prevention, screening options, and early detection.