SENATE RESOLUTION 59

(By Senators Carmichael, Beach, Williams, Prezioso, Stollings, Plymale, Ashley, Cline, Unger, Leonhardt and Kessler)

[Introduced March 3, 2016]

Designating March 3, 2016, as Cancer Survivorship Day.

Whereas, West Virginia will experience 11,770 new cases of cancer this year; and

Whereas, In West Virginia, 4,750 people will die from cancer this year; and

Whereas, Cancer will cost the United States economy an estimated $216 billion in medical costs and lost productivity; and

Whereas, Lawmakers play a key role in preventing cancer by passing policies to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, increase healthy eating and active living, and limit indoor tanning; and

Whereas, Lawmakers can also advance policies that will increase access to lifesaving screenings, improve quality of life, fund research and expand access to care; and

Whereas, There are 14.5 million cancer survivors alive in the United States because of the efforts of researchers, doctors, volunteers and lawmakers; and

Whereas, This progress must continue through collaboration between lawmakers and citizens to end cancer as a major health issue; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 3, 2016, as Cancer Survivorship Day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.