H.R. No. 1444

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, While overall cancer incidence and mortality rates are on the decline in the United States, the disease continues to disproportionately impact the lives of members of minority racial and ethnic groups; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, African American men are 36 percent more likely to die from cancer than white men, and African American women are 17 percent more likely to die from cancer than their white counterparts; Hispanic Americans of both sexes have lower rates for the most common cancers, namely prostate, female breast, colorectal, and lung, but higher rates for certain types, including liver, cervical, and stomach cancer; and

WHEREAS, These differences are believed to be rooted in socioeconomic factors, including higher levels of poverty among some minority groups; as poverty coincides with reduced access to health insurance, minorities often delay seeking diagnosis and treatment for health problems, resulting in cancer being detected at more advanced stages with a far less optimistic prognosis; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, the Texas Legislature designated April as Minority Cancer Awareness Month in a bill authored by Representative Ruth Jones McClendon, herself a cancer survivor; backed by health and advocacy groups across the state and nation, this important observance serves to raise awareness of the issue of cancer inequality and the lifesaving power of prevention and early detection; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 2015 as Minority Cancer Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about preventative measures and to seek medical attention at the first warning signs of cancer.

McClendon

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1444 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2015, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House