SENATE MEMORIAL 43

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

COMMENDING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR ITS ROLE IN FORMULATING AND CONTINUALLY DEVELOPING APPROACHES TO DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF CERVICAL CANCER THROUGH THE "NEW MEXICO CANCER PLAN".

     WHEREAS, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, following breast cancer; and

     WHEREAS, according to federal government statistics, cervical cancer is the third most common form of cancer in women in the United States, with about twelve thousand two hundred cases diagnosed each year, four thousand one hundred of which result in fatalities; and

     WHEREAS, widespread screening programs have reduced, but not entirely eliminated, the rate of women dying from cervical cancer; and

     WHEREAS, with regular and accurate screening, cervical cancer is highly preventable; and

     WHEREAS, the incidence of cervical cancer in the United States is generally attributable to a lack of education about the disease, reduced access to regular cervical cancer screening and a lack of screening accuracy; and

     WHEREAS, experience shows that increasing awareness of cervical cancer among women significantly reduces the probability of mortality; and

     WHEREAS, cervical cancer disproportionately affects minority and low-income women because they are less likely to have access to routine screening; and

     WHEREAS, approximately one-half of all cervical cancer cases occur in women who have never been screened, and ten percent of the cases occur in women who have not been screened within the last five years; and

     WHEREAS, the median age for cervical cancer is forty-seven years, which is the youngest median age for all female reproductive cancers; and

     WHEREAS, the federal food and drug administration has approved testing for human papillomavirus, which is the cause of virtually all cervical cancers, as an effective screening technology; and

     WHEREAS, this screening technology offers new opportunities to finally eliminate this potentially deadly disease through early identification of women at increased risk; and

     WHEREAS, leading medical organizations, including the American college of obstetricians and gynecologists, the American cancer society and the association of reproductive health professionals, have recently updated their screening guidelines to include testing for the human papillomavirus; and

     WHEREAS, women are entitled to the most current and accurate information regarding cervical cancer detection and treatment so that they can make informed health care decisions; and

     WHEREAS, through education, screening and early detection, the incidence of cervical cancer in women in New Mexico can be reduced, and more women will receive effective treatment;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be commended for its role in formulating and developing approaches to detection and treatment of cervical cancer through the "New Mexico Cancer Plan"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health be recognized for developing and utilizing data regarding the incidence of cervical cancer in New Mexico women, the testing for the presence of human papillomavirus, disseminating educational materials and improving access to regular screening and options to improve screening accuracy; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health be further commended for its continuing efforts to identify pockets of need, prioritize strategies, incorporate new technologies and utilize preventive measures in controlling cervical cancer; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that progress reports regarding the successes achieved through the "New Mexico Cancer Plan", which serves as a national model of effective cancer control strategies, be presented annually to the governor, the president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives and be posted on the department of health cancer programs web site; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health.

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