Assembly Resolution No. 2044

BY: M. of A. McMahon

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, increasing more than 400% in the past 20
years; the cancer kills 1 American every 36 minutes each and every day;
and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with
about 1 in 5 patients surviving 5 years, and has low survival rates
because it is usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment
outcomes are poor; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is 3 to 4 times more common among men
than among women, and the lifetime risk of esophageal cancer in the
United States is about 1 in 127 in men and about 1 in 434 in women; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates 17,690 men
and 4,680 women will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer and 12,880 men
and 3,250 women will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer makes up about 1% of all cancers
diagnosed in the United States, yet it is the cause of 2.6% of the
cancer deaths in the U.S.; it is much more common in some other parts of
the world, such as Iran, northern China, India, and southern Africa; and

WHEREAS, Although many people with esophageal cancer will go on to
die from this disease, treatment has improved and survival rates are
getting better; during the 1960s and 1970s, only about 5% of patients
survived at least 5 years after being diagnosed; today, about 22% of
patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis; 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.