SR 195: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; recognize March 2025

This resolution from the Georgia Senate recognizes March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It does not change any law or create new programs; instead it highlights the work of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and Community Health Care Systems, Inc., a federally qualified health center in middle Georgia, on a project to help uninsured and underinsured patients get follow-up colonoscopies after an abnormal cancer screening test. The resolution states that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50 in the United States, and notes it has a 90 percent survival rate when caught early. It encourages Georgians to consult health care providers and begin regular screenings, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Georgia.
• Encourages eligible Georgia citizens to consult health care providers and begin regular colorectal cancer screenings.
• Acknowledges a project by ASGE and Community Health Care Systems, Inc. to increase follow-up colonoscopy rates among uninsured and underinsured patients.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

This resolution mainly addresses Georgia residents eligible for colorectal cancer screening, uninsured and underinsured patients served by Community Health Care Systems in middle Georgia, and gastroenterologists and health care organizations involved in cancer screening advocacy.

While the resolution carries no legal force or funding, it publicly spotlights colorectal cancer risks and screening gaps, potentially raising awareness among Georgians about the importance of early screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients facing barriers to follow-up care.

• The resolving clause recognizes March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and encourages citizens to consult health care providers and begin regular screenings.
• A further resolution clause notes ASGE's project could lead to a public policy model and toolkit to increase follow-up colonoscopy rates nationally.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-02-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-13Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)Primary sponsor
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)

• colorectal cancer awareness
• public health
• cancer screening
• Georgia Senate resolution