Senate Resolution No. 1534

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2024, as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancer
diagnoses in the United States; in 2023, roughly 21,560 new esophageal
cancer cases were diagnosed (17,030 in men and 4,530 in women), and
16,120 people died from esophageal cancer (12,920 in men and 3,200 in
women); and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer kills one American every 36 minutes each
and every day; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with
fewer than one in five patients surviving five years; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it is
usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor;
and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer in the United States is most often caused
by persistent heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), yet
many who are at risk are unaware of the potential danger GERD can
present when it occurs over several weeks or months; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can be a silent killer with patients
often unaware that the cough, hoarse voice, sore throat or chest pain
they suffer can be signs of GERD and are reasons to discuss screening
for esophageal cancer with their health care professional; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when fluids from
the stomach splash up to create cellular change in the esophagus
resulting in a precancerous condition known as Barrett's Esophagus which
can lead to a 125-fold increase in a patient's risk of developing
esophageal cancer; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can be prevented through early detection
of its precursor, Barrett's Esophagus, which can be treated with new,
curative outpatient techniques; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) is working to
improve public awareness of the link between heartburn and cancer and
supports progress in early detection and treatment of esophageal cancer;
and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer awareness, along with improvements in
prevention, early detection and treatment strategies, will enhance the
health and well-being of all Americans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Esophageal
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.