HR0876

LRB096 20004 GRL 35495 r





  
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HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, In the United States, approximately 12,000 women 
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each year are diagnosed with cervical cancer; approximately 
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4,000 women each year die from cervical cancer in the U.S.; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Half of the women diagnosed with the disease are 
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between 35 and 55 years of age; approximately 20% of diagnoses 
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are made in women older than 65; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Cervical cancer rates vary, but occur more often 
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in African-American women and Hispanic women than in 
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non-Hispanic white women; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Cervical cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer 
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that may not have symptoms; cervical cancer is primarily caused 
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by the human papillomavirus (HPV), but can be detected by 
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Papanicolaou test (Pap tests) or other early detection tests; 
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and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program 
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provides access to screening and treatment options, including 
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free pelvic exams and Pap tests for qualifying uninsured women; 
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and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Detecting cervical cancer in its earliest stages 
 


 






HR0876
- 2 -
LRB096 20004 GRL 35495 r




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greatly improves survival rates; and
 
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    WHEREAS, Over 90% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer 
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can survive when the cancer is localized and is caught in its 
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early stages; therefore, be it
  
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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designate the month of January as Cervical Health Awareness 
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Month in the State of Illinois and encourage the citizens of 
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this State to recognize the importance of good cervical health 
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and of detecting cervical cancer in its earliest stages; and be 
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it further
  
 
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    RESOLVED, That we recognize the patients and survivors of 
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cervical cancer for their tremendous courage and 
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determination.