Whereas, Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Michigan, with 940 men and 932 women dying of this disease in 2004; and,

Whereas, Michigan ranks 31^st in the nation in colorectal cancer deaths; and,

Whereas, Only 53 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 screenings can detect polyps that lead to colorectal cancer and can save lives; 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 2007, 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.