SR0055 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Thousands of families across Illinois are affected by metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Much of the talk around breast cancer focuses on early detection and routine diagnosis, where we have seen tremendous progress in the last 30 years; and

WHEREAS, The story for advanced disease is quite different; metastatic breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment; and

WHEREAS, Currently no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer and many of those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment with the goal of extending the best quality of life possible; and

WHEREAS, One in eight women in the U.S. could be diagnosed with breast cancer; specifically in Illinois, it is expected that 11,560 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019; and

WHEREAS, In the U.S., it is estimated that over 154,000 women have metastatic breast cancer; this devastating stage of breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, it is estimated that more than 1,720 women in Illinois will die of breast cancer, nearly all due to metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer affects all races and socioeconomic classes; while Caucasian women see slightly higher incidence rates of breast cancer, the mortality rate for African-American women with breast cancer is 39 percent higher than that of Caucasian women, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic women; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines health equity as when every person has the opportunity to "attain his or her full health potential"; and

WHEREAS, Any discussions of breast cancer should include the spectrum from screening through the treatment of and support of those with metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many people in Illinois, leaving a lasting effect on their families; and

WHEREAS, While there have been treatment advances in metastatic breast cancer, many of those advances have benefitted a subset of patients with specific types of metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, While metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is reason to be hopeful; extensive research efforts are underway to address this high unmet need; and

WHEREAS, https://ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database which provides patients, family members and the public with information about current ongoing clinical research studies; and

WHEREAS, Additional focus is needed on the needs of the patient, promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments, and the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer for all women regardless of their race, ethnicity, or economic status; and

WHEREAS, More research is needed for metastatic breast cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed, as well as a push for critical research and advanced treatments for metastatic breast cancer; Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is an opportunity to shed light on the devastation metastatic breast cancer brings to communities throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, Individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can speak with their physician to learn more about the disease and find support groups and services in their community or online; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare October 13, 2019 as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the citizens of Illinois are urged to become informed and aware of metastatic breast cancer and to support funding for programs to reduce barriers to breast cancer screening, detection, and treatment for underserved women.