Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is among the deadliest and fastest growing cancer diagnoses in our nation; and

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the esophagus, often preceded by symptoms of pain or difficulty swallowing, indigestion, heartburn, hoarseness and coughing; risk factors for esophageal cancer include gastric reflux, heavy alcohol and tobacco use; and

WHEREAS, esophageal cancer is often discovered during advanced stages, but if discovered early, chances for recovery and survival are far better, and treatments for the disease include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, laser therapy and electrocoagulation; and

WHEREAS, during April, we raise awareness of esophageal cancer in Alabama encouraging citizens to pay attention to esophageal cancer symptoms in order to promote early detection and treatment:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2016, as

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1^st day of March 2016.

Robert Bentley
Governor