HJR120 Summary

• Recognizes March 2012 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama to promote education on early detection and screening.

• Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Alabama, with an estimated 2,310 cases and 930 deaths annually.

• Early detection increases five-year survival rate to 90 percent compared to 10 percent when cancer spreads to other organs; however, only 39 percent of cases are diagnosed at early stages.

• Alabama's FITWAY program provides colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic testing to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured residents aged 50-64 in 16 specified counties with income at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level.

• House adopted February 21, 2012 and Senate adopted March 15, 2012.