SJR 48 Summary

• Recognizes colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States but notes it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

• Cites American Cancer Society estimates that 2,750 Alabamians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024 and 900 deaths will occur, with approximately one in three Alabamians over age 45 not currently screened.

• Notes that early detection significantly improves survival rates: 91 percent five-year survival for early-stage diagnosis versus 14 percent for metastatic diagnosis.

• Encourages Alabama Medicaid program to provide equal access to colorectal cancer screening for Alabamians age 45 and older and to cover all American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening options (colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, sDNA-FIT, and FIT/FOBT tests).

• Passed Senate on April 11, 2024 and House on April 18, 2024.