SR372: SR372 Stomach Cancer; increased awareness; express support

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it states the Senate's position on a public health issue: stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer. The resolution cites statistics showing stomach cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, that it caused 26,890 new cases in the United States in 2024, and that Georgia ranks 11th in the nation in mortality from the disease. The Senate resolves that its members support increased awareness of stomach cancer and recognize that such awareness could help patients get earlier detection and treatment. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press. Because it is a resolution rather than a bill, it creates no new requirements, funding, or penalties under Georgia law.

• States that the Senate supports increased public awareness of stomach cancer and its risk factors.
• Recognizes that greater awareness may lead to earlier detection and treatment for patients.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new law, funding, agency duties, or penalties, since it is a nonbinding expression of support.

The resolution primarily concerns Georgians affected by or at risk of stomach cancer, along with public health advocates and the medical community focused on cancer screening and early detection. It does not impose obligations on any state agency, business, or individual.

While the resolution carries no legal force, it puts the Senate on record acknowledging Georgia's relatively high stomach cancer mortality ranking and signals support for awareness efforts that advocates say can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for patients.

• The whereas clauses cite that stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
• Cites that 26,890 new stomach cancer cases were reported in the United States in 2024 and notes racial and ethnic disparities in incidence and mortality.
• States that Georgia ranks 11th in the nation in mortality from stomach cancer.
• The resolving clause has the Senate express support for increased stomach cancer awareness and recognize its link to earlier detection.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-11Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-03-10Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)Primary sponsor
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)

• stomach cancer
• cancer awareness
• public health
• cancer screening