§ 20-15-1702 - Findings and purpose. [Repealed -- Contingent effective date.] - Arkansas Statutes

20-15-1702. Findings and purpose. [Repealed -- Contingent effective date.]

(a) The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Colorectal cancer is a significant threat to the health of Arkansas residents;

(2) Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as persons get older. More than ninety percent (90%) of people with this disease are diagnosed after fifty (50) years of age;

(3) In Arkansas, it is estimated that one thousand six hundred thirty (1,630) new cases of cancer of the colon and rectum will occur in 2005;

(4) Colorectal cancer exacts an enormous economic toll on our society in direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost work due to illness and shortened lives among experienced workers;

(5) Colorectal cancer is largely preventable; and

(6) Screening for colorectal cancer can identify the precursors of cancer before the disease begins and the precursors can be removed, thus preventing the emergence of any colorectal cancer.

(b) This subchapter is intended to reduce the physical and economic burden of colorectal cancer in Arkansas by supporting research and cancer control activities.