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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, While overall cancer incidence and mortality rates |
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are on the decline in the United States, the disease continues to |
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disproportionately impact the lives of members of minority racial |
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and ethnic groups; and |
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WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, African |
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American men are 36 percent more likely to die from cancer than |
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white men, and African American women are 17 percent more likely to |
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die from cancer than their white counterparts; Hispanic Americans |
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of both sexes have lower rates for all cancers combined but higher |
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rates for certain types, including uterine, cervical, and stomach |
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cancer; and |
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WHEREAS, These differences are believed to be rooted in |
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socioeconomic factors, including higher levels of poverty among |
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some minority groups; as poverty coincides with reduced access to |
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health insurance, minorities often delay seeking diagnosis and |
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treatment for health problems, resulting in cancer being detected |
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at more advanced stages with a far less optimistic prognosis; and |
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WHEREAS, In 2011, the Texas Legislature designated April as |
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Minority Cancer Awareness Month in a bill authored by |
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Representative Ruth Jones McClendon, herself a cancer survivor; |
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backed by health and advocacy groups across the state and nation, |
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this important observance serves to raise awareness of the issue of |
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cancer inequality and the lifesaving power of prevention and early |
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detection; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize April 2013 as Minority Cancer |
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Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about |
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preventative measures and to seek medical attention at the first |
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warning signs of cancer. |