HR0152 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0152 LRB096 11798 KXB 22610 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Although it is relatively uncommon in the United States, accounting for about 1% of total diagnosed cancers, the incidence of esophageal cancer has been increasing; and

WHEREAS, One factor contributing to this trend is greater prevalence of obesity, which increases the risk of one form of esophageal cancer known as adenocarcinoma; according to the American Cancer Society's estimates, in 2008 there were 16,470 new cases of esophageal cancer causing 14,280 deaths; the five-year relative survival rate for localized stage esophageal cancer is 34%, and the five-year survival rate for all stages combined is only 16%; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms of esophageal cancer generally do not appear until the disease has advanced; this fact illustrates the importance of educating the public about the various risk factors for this disease; early detection and proper diagnosis are also critical in order to treat esophageal cancer effectively; new ways to detect changes in genes may lead to the development of more accurate screening tests to find esophageal cancer at an earlier, more curable stage; and

WHEREAS, It is hoped that understanding these changes will lead to gene therapies for preventing or treating esophageal cancer; avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use can substantially reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer; men have esophageal cancer at rates about three times greater than women do, primarily due to men's greater use of tobacco and alcohol; in addition, the risk of dying from this cancer is increased by approximately 50% in obese men; and

WHEREAS, People between the ages of 70 and 84 have the greatest risk for cancer of the esophagus; nearly 80% of people diagnosed are between the ages of 55 and 85; African Americans are twice as likely as Caucasians to have cancer of the esophagus; people with long-standing reflux or people with Barrett esophagus, a condition associated with long-term reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, are at sharply increased risk; and

WHEREAS, A diet that is low in fruits, vegetables, and vitamins A, B2, and C increases the risk for esophageal cancer; specific quality-of-life issues associated with esophageal cancer include the inability to eat solid food, guilt associated with a history of tobacco and alcohol use, and end-of-life issues due to the low survival rate; and

WHEREAS, Cancer of the esophagus usually is diagnosed at a late stage and therefore has a poor outlook for survival; this kind of cancer can virtually be prevented by stopping, or never starting, tobacco use and by moderating alcohol use; screening endoscopy for people at high risk for this cancer can also increase early detection rates; typically, the earlier cancer is detected and diagnosed, the more successful the treatment, thus enhancing the survival rate; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proclaim the month of May of 2009 be designated as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare that the Illinois government has a responsibility:

(a) to raise awareness about the importance of screening methods for, and treatment of, esophageal cancer;

(b) to increase research funding that is commensurate with the burden of the disease so that the screening and treatment of esophageal cancer may be improved, and so that the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and

(c) to continue to consider ways for improving access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating esophageal cancer; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Governor is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the public officials and the citizens of Illinois to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs annually; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Governor Pat Quinn.