BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 22
Author: Steinberg (D) and Bass (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
SUBJECT : Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
SOURCE : California Colorectal Cancer Coalition
DIGEST : This resolution designates March 2009, as
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
ANALYSIS : Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause
of cancer deaths in both men and women in California, with
14,250 new cases and 5,140 deaths expected in 2009.
Colorectal cancer is known as a silent killer because
symptoms show up only in latest stages of the disease.
Colorectal cancer is treatable, curable, and in many cases,
completely preventable. With proper screening, colorectal
cancer can be prevented or, if found early, it can be
treated and cured. According to the American Cancer
Society, in 2004, only about 44 percent of colorectal
cancers were diagnosed at an early, more treatable and
curable state.
Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most
cost-effective prevention measures in health care, more
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cost-effective than breast cancer screening. According to
the Institute of Medicine, access to appropriate use of
colorectal cancer screening tests, such as colonoscopy,
sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood test, could reduce
death rates of colon cancer up to 80 percent.
The uninsured, underinsured and underserved are least
likely to get screening and treatment for colorectal
cancer, which means that they are more likely to be
diagnosed at a late stage when chances of survival drop to
nine percent. African Americans have the highest
colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all
racial groups in this country. Early detection rates among
African Americans in California are low. Hispanics and
Latinos in California have lower rates of screening for
colorectal cancer, and lower rates of early detection of
the disease.
The California Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C4) is a
nonprofit organization established to increase colorectal
cancer screening rates in an effort to decrease mortality
associated with the disease, and implement strategies to
reduce disparities in colorectal cancer screening,
diagnosis, and treatment among populations in California.
C4 encourages Californians to discuss the colorectal cancer
screening test that is best for them with their doctors and
believes that the best test is the one you can get done.
This resolution designates March 2009, as Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 3/10/09)
California Colorectal Cancer Coalition (source)
CTW:cm 3/10/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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