Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

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.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations