Florida Senate - 2023 (NP) SR By Senator Harrell 31-00358-23 2023118__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Senate Resolution A resolution recognizing April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in Florida. 3

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is the fastest-increasing cancer among American men, and

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancer diagnoses among all Americans, increasing more than 700 percent in recent decades, 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 the disease five years after being diagnosed, and

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer has low survivability 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 individuals 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 heartburn, cough, hoarse voice, 24 sore throat, chest pain, or other symptoms they suffer can be signs of GERD and are reasons to discuss screening for esophageal cancer with their health care provider, and

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when fluids from the stomach splash into the esophagus, creating Florida Senate - 2023 (NP) SR 118 31-00358-23 2023118__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. cellular change and resulting in a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, which can lead to a 30-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 eliminated with curative outpatient techniques, and

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer awareness, along with improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies, will enhance the health and well–being of citizens of the State of Florida and all Americans,

NOW, THEREFORE, 39

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 41 That April is recognized as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in Florida. 44