Senate proclaims March 2025 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; sponsor urges screenings amid coverage concerns

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Senate on March 11 adopted a resolution proclaiming March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and urged residents to pursue preventive screening.

Senator Melissa Murray introduced the measure and asked that the resolution be read. The resolution cites American Cancer Society estimates, notes colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Rhode Island and the United States, and references the Mary Ellen Goodwin colorectal cancer screening act that mandated full coverage for preventive screenings.

Murray delivered a personal appeal on the Senate floor, saying, “A colonoscopy can literally save your life.” She described changes in screening guidance that affected her personally — “When I was 48, the protocol changed to age 45 and automatically I was 3 years overdue” — and urged colleagues to consider access to screening, particularly if Medicaid coverage were to be reduced. Murray moved passage of the resolution in honor of the late Senator Mary Ellen Goodwin.

The resolution instructs the secretary of state to transmit certified copies to the American Cancer Society and to Jonathan A. Layton, MD, of the American College of Gastroenterology. The measure passed after the motion was moved and seconded and the Senate answered 'aye.'

Murray emphasized the role of education in early detection and cited state and national case and mortality estimates included in the resolution. The Senate proceeded with other business after adopting the resolution.