HR601: HR601 Support for increased awareness of stomach cancer; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it is a formal statement from the House of Representatives expressing support for increased public awareness of stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer. The text cites national statistics, including that stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and that 26,890 new cases were reported in the United States in 2024, along with disparities in incidence and mortality among racial and ethnic groups. The resolution notes that Georgia ranks 11th in the nation in stomach cancer mortality and states that a lack of awareness about risk factors and screening may lead people to dismiss symptoms. The House resolves that it supports increased awareness and recognizes that awareness may lead to earlier detection. It also directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

• Formally states that the Georgia House of Representatives supports increased public awareness of stomach cancer.
• Recognizes that greater awareness of stomach cancer symptoms and risk factors may lead to earlier detection for patients.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.
• Cites statistics on stomach cancer incidence, mortality disparities, and Georgia's national ranking without creating any new legal requirement.

The resolution mainly affects public perception and awareness rather than any specific regulated group. It touches Georgians at risk of stomach cancer, patients and families dealing with the disease, and public health advocates focused on cancer screening and early detection.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not fund programs, change screening requirements, or alter medical practice. Its main effect is symbolic: putting the House's support for stomach cancer awareness on the public record and highlighting Georgia's relatively high mortality ranking for the disease.

• The whereas clauses cite that stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
• States 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.
• Notes that Georgia ranks 11th in mortality from stomach cancer.
• The resolving clause has the House express support for increased awareness and recognize its link to earlier detection.
• A further resolution directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-13House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-13House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-13House Hopper (House)

• Deborah Silcox (R, HD-053)Primary sponsor
• Lee Hawkins (R, HD-027)
• Mark Newton (R, HD-127)
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)

• stomach cancer awareness
• public health
• cancer screening
• Georgia House resolutions