SJR99 Summary

• Recognizes March 2018 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama.

• Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Alabama, with an estimated 2,230 cases diagnosed and 950 deaths in 2018.

• Early detection increases five-year survival rates to 90 percent, compared to only 10 percent when cancer has spread to other organs.

• Encourages Alabamians aged 50 and over to obtain colorectal screenings, noting that 203,000 fewer deaths could occur by 2030 if 80 percent of adults were screened by 2018.

• Supports the FITWAY Alabama Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health to increase screening rates through public education initiatives.