Pennsylvania SR 256: A Resolution designating October 13, 2026, as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1523
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 256
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY GEBHARD, BARTOLOTTA, HUGHES, J. WARD, BROOKS,
PENNYCUICK, HAYWOOD, MARTIN, TARTAGLIONE, COMITTA, FONTANA,
ROBINSON, PHILLIPS-HILL, PICOZZI, CAPPELLETTI, SCHWANK,
HUTCHINSON AND VOGEL, MARCH 20, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MARCH 20, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating October 13, 2026, as "Metastatic Breast Cancer
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer
among women worldwide, and metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also
known as Stage IV when the disease spreads beyond the breast to
other parts of the body, remains incurable and is responsible
for nearly all breast cancer deaths; and
WHEREAS, Despite advances in early detection and treatment,
approximately 30% of early-stage breast cancers will eventually
metastasize; and
WHEREAS, In 2026, an estimated 324,580 new cases of breast
cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and approximately
42,670 Americans and more than 670,000 people globally will die
from breast cancer, the vast majority due to metastatic disease;
and
WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth, thousands of individuals are
diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and many Pennsylvanians
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are living with MBC, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated
research, awareness and equitable access to care across
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Despite the devastating impact of MBC, less than 13%
of global breast cancer research funding is dedicated
specifically to MBC, leaving patients with limited treatment
options and families facing devastating outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Increased research funding is critical to
transforming MBC from a terminal diagnosis into a chronic,
survivable condition, offering patients more time, more options
and more hope; and
WHEREAS, Significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in
breast cancer outcomes, with Black women in the United States
facing a substantially higher mortality rate than White women
and Hispanic women experiencing breast cancer as the leading
cause of cancer-related death, inequities that demand urgent
action through inclusive research, equitable access to care
across urban, suburban and rural communities and culturally
responsive education; and
WHEREAS, METAvivor Research and Support, a national nonprofit
organization exclusively dedicated to funding MBC research, and
the global #LightUpMBC campaign elevate awareness, amplify
patient voices and honor lives lost by illuminating landmarks
across Pennsylvania and around the world each year on October 13
in the tri-color metastatic breast cancer awareness ribbon
colors of teal (healing), green (hope) and pink (breast cancer
origin); and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is proud to stand with individuals
and families affected by MBC, honoring their courage and
resilience while advancing the critical pursuit of research that
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saves lives; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate October
13, 2026, as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
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