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Bill

SR 258

A Resolution recognizing the month of March 2026 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Brooks and 13 co-sponsors

Declares March 2026 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in PA and urges awareness, screenings, and support for prevention and treatment efforts.

Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations
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Bill Summary · SR 258

Summary of SR 258 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose

  • A SenateResolution recognizing March 2026 as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
  • Encourages Pennsylvanians to raise awareness, promote screenings, and support prevention and treatment efforts for colorectal cancer.

Key Provisions

  • Proclamation: Declares March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the Commonwealth.
  • Awareness and Action Message: Urges residents to join in awareness activities, emphasize routine colorectal cancer screenings, and support prevention and treatment initiatives.

Background and Rationale (as stated in the bill)

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) risks are rising among adults under 55, even as overall rates decline.
  • Screening is important because early-stage symptoms may be absent.
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Health has updated guidance recommending screening beginning at age 45, with the potential to prevent up to 60% of colorectal cancer deaths.
  • The FDA approved in July 2024 the first-ever blood test for colorectal cancer screening, offering a less invasive option to improve early detection and access.
  • Despite effectiveness of screenings, about one in three adults over 50 are not up to date with guidelines.
  • CRC Awareness Month aims to promote routine screenings, raise awareness of risk factors, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices to reduce CRC risk.

Who/What Is Affected

  • The general population of Pennsylvania, particularly adults and those eligible for CRC screening.
  • Public health messaging and awareness campaigns in Pennsylvania.
  • Collaboration with health departments, healthcare providers, and community organizations to promote screening and prevention efforts.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations on March 23, 2026.
  • This is a ceremonial/recognition measure (a Senate Resolution), not a bill that imposes new laws or funding.
  • No specific funding, regulatory changes, or implementation deadlines are included in the text of the resolution itself; it serves to officially designate March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and to encourage related actions.

Sponsors

  • Primary and co-sponsors include a broad bipartisan group from both chambers, highlighting cross-cutting support for public health awareness about colorectal cancer.
  • Notable co-sponsors: Rosemary Brown, Michele Brooks, Devlin Robinson, Vincent Hughes, Frank Farry, Amanda Cappelletti, Elder Vogel, Carolyn Comitta, Patty Kim, Wayne Fontana, Scott Martin, Kristin Phillips-Hill, Art Haywood, Jay Costa, among others.

Impact Considerations

  • The resolution can catalyze heightened public awareness, media coverage, and participation in CRC screening programs during March 2026.
  • It may support ongoing state and local health initiatives aimed at increasing screening rates, promoting the 45-year screening guideline, and encouraging adoption of less invasive screening options like the FDA-approved blood test.
  • While non-binding, such resolutions can influence public dialogue, local health campaigns, and partnerships with healthcare providers to reduce colorectal cancer mortality and incidence in Pennsylvania.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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