Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men, as well as one of the fastest growing cancer diagnoses among all Americans; and
WHEREAS, esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it is usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, esophageal cancer is most often caused by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and
WHEREAS, symptoms such as heartburn, cough, hoarse voice, sore throat, chest pain, among others can be signs of GERD and are reasons to discuss screening for esophageal cancer with a health care provider; and
WHEREAS, esophageal cancer can be prevented through early detection of its precursor, Barrett’s esophagus (GERD), which can be treated; and
WHEREAS, observing esophageal cancer awareness month provides the opportunity to increase awareness along with improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies to enhance the health and well-being of Virginians and all Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2023, as ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.