Pennsylvania HR 471: A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3152
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 471
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY EMRICK, FREEMAN, HANBIDGE, JAMES, McNEILL,
OLSOMMER, PICKETT AND NEILSON, APRIL 7, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, APRIL 8, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of April 2026 as "Esophageal Cancer
Awareness and Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, According to the National Cancer Institute, an
estimated 22,070 individuals were diagnosed with esophageal
cancer in the United States in 2025, and approximately 16,250
died from the disease; and
WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest cancers,
and only approximately one in five patients will survive for
five years; and
WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is often not detected and
diagnosed until the disease has reached the later stages, and
treatment is often radical, is likely to cause complications and
involves outcomes which are poor; and
WHEREAS, In the past, when esophageal cancer was detected
early, open esophagectomy was associated with a high mortality
rate and a prolonged length of stay and recovery; and
WHEREAS, Recent advances in surgery and critical care have
allowed centers of excellence in selected academic hospitals to
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perform minimally invasive esophagectomy, some robotically, with
excellent outcomes, lower risk of death and earlier return to
activities of daily living; and
WHEREAS, One of the most common causes of esophageal cancer
is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is viewed by
many sufferers as an acceptable condition of life; and
WHEREAS, GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus, which can
increase an individual's risk of developing esophageal cancer;
and
WHEREAS, With monitoring and treatment of GERD, the potential
for long-term irreversible damage leading to esophageal cancer
can be minimized; and
WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can occur without reflux symptoms
or history of smoking or excessive alcohol use; and
WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is among the cancers that receive
the least amount of Federal medical research funding; and
WHEREAS, The health and well-being of all residents of this
Commonwealth will be enhanced by improving esophageal cancer
awareness, prevention and increased research funding into early
detection and treatment strategies; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of April 2026 as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness and
Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage
residents of this Commonwealth to take steps to prevent this
disease through treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
20260HR0471PN3152 - 2 -
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