Lynch Syndrome Cancers Awareness Day

WHEREAS, over 600,000 persons in the United States have Lynch syndrome, but less than five percent of those persons are currently diagnosed; and

WHEREAS, approximately one in every thirty-five individuals with colorectal cancer have Lynch syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Lynch syndrome is a hereditary predisposition presenting a high lifetime risk of contracting a litany of cancers, including up to an 85% lifetime risk of colon cancer, 65% lifetime risk of endometrial cancer and higher than average risks of contracting ovarian cancer, gastric tract cancers, hepatobiliary cancers, renal pelvic cancers, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer and other cancers, often at an early age; and

WHEREAS, knowing one’s family medical history of cancers may prompt genetic testing; and

WHEREAS, a positive genetic test will qualify one for annual cancer screening and cancers may be detected early and treated or removed often before becoming life threatening; and

WHEREAS, the number of cancer deaths will reduce as a result of public awareness of Lynch syndrome; and

WHEREAS, thousands of lives in Alabama will be saved as a result of a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 22, 2012, as

Lynch Syndrome Cancers Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of March 2012.

      

Governor Robert Bentley