Whereas, Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Michigan, with 936 men and 993 women dying of this disease in 2005; and,

Whereas, In Michigan, 39 counties have higher than the state average death rate for colorectal cancer; and,

Whereas, Michigan ranks 35^th in the nation in colorectal cancer deaths; and,

Whereas, Only 60 percent of average-risk Michigan residents age 50 years and older receive appropriate screening for colorectal cancer, according to the Michigan Cancer Consortium recommendations; and,

Whereas, Regular screening is effective in detecting colorectal cancer, not only by identifying the disease early, but also by finding and removing the precursors of cancer polyps; and,

Whereas, Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risks should seek screening at an earlier age and with more frequency; and,

Whereas, A colorectal cancer screening program, funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health, provides free colorectal cancer screening to the uninsured and underinsured in 15 Michigan counties; and,

Whereas, Education can help inform the public of methods for early detection and prevention, such as the efforts underway by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network, the Michigan Cancer Consortium and its members, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the state of Michigan; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to learn more about this disease, to assist in prevention efforts, and to recognize the importance of colorectal cancer screenings.