Resident Commissioner Introduces Resolution to Raise Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Among the Hispanic Community

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández has introduced a resolutionto raise awareness about colorectal cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection, and address the health disparities affecting the Hispanic community.

According to the Puerto Rican Gastroenterology Association (Asociación Puertorriqueña de Gastroenterología), approximately 1,500 cases of colon cancer are reported annually in Puerto Rico, with 600 of those cases resulting in death. The association highlights that colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer among both men and women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women and the third among men. Alarmingly, the number of new cases continues to rise in Puerto Rico.

"My resolution is about saving lives through awareness," said Hernández. "Colon cancer is deeply personal to me. My late grandmother passed away from this disease at a relatively young age, and I recently underwent a screening that detected a precancerous polyp - one that was safely, easily, and painlessly removed. This experience reinforced what the science tells us: colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. Through this resolution, I am working to ensure more people - especially Puerto Ricans, who face a rising number of cases - understand the importance of screening and early detection. I'm also urging federal health agencies to do more to raise awareness and invest in research to combat this disease."

The resolution:

• Recognizes the deadly impact of colorectal cancer.
• Declares March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to promote education and proactive screening.
• Highlights the racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening and outcomes within the Hispanic community.
• Encourages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand efforts in identifying and eliminating racial screening disparities.
• Calls for increased public education initiatives to inform individuals about their risk and encourage conversations with healthcare providers about appropriate screening.
• Urges the CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research into environmental and genetic factors contributing to increased colorectal cancer risk, particularly in young adults.
• Honors the resilience and courage of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates impacted by colorectal cancer.

Earlier this month, Hernández participated in the Prevent Cancer Congressional Families visit in Canóvanas, PR, as part of the Latino Family Wellness and Health Equity Fiesta Tour, highlighting the importance of cancer prevention and early detection. During the event, Hernández shared his family history of colon cancer and emphasized the need for greater awareness and access to life-saving screenings.

Click HEREto read the bill text.

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