At its March 10, 2026 meeting, the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in support of raising awareness about prevention, screening, and early detection.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both North Carolina and the United States among men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Health experts note that the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, particularly for individuals 45 years and older.
Recent data also shows a concerning trend: colorectal cancer diagnoses are rising among younger adults. Approximately 20 percent of new cases occur in people age 54 and younger, nearly double the rate reported in 1995.
Medical professionals emphasize that colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through routine screening. When detected early, it is frequently treatable and beatable, making awareness and screening critical tools in reducing its impact.
Through this proclamation, the Town of Waxhaw recognizes the efforts of advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers who work to improve prevention and treatment. The Board also encourages residents to learn about recommended screening guidelines and talk with their healthcare providers about appropriate screening options.
March serves as an opportunity to honor survivors, remember those lost to colorectal cancer, and encourage the community to support education, prevention, and early detection efforts.
To learn more about colorectal cancer prevention and recommended screening guidelines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s colorectal cancer resource page.
The full proclamation adopted by the Board of Commissioners is provided below.
PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in North Carolina and the United States among men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, particularly for individuals aged 45 years or older;
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is being diagnosed at an increasing rate among younger adults, with approximately 20 percent of new cases occurring in individuals age 54 and younger — nearly double the rate since 1995 — highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, early detection, and preventive screening;
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through timely screening and is often preventable, treatable, and beatable when detected early;
WHEREAS, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of early detection and recommended screening guidelines; and
WHEREAS, during the month of March, we stand with those affected by colorectal cancer and recognize the ongoing efforts of advocates, researchers, and health care providers who work tirelessly to reduce its impact; and in memory of those we have lost and in honor of survivors, we renew our commitment to promoting prevention, education, and hope for a future free from colorectal cancer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Robert J. Murray, III, by the powers vested in me as Mayor of the Town of Waxhaw, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Union County, and urge all citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
I further encourage residents to increase their awareness and understanding of the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer, which affects a significant number of families across our State each year, and to commit themselves to prevention, timely detection, and effective treatment in order to reduce the impact of this disease on individuals, families, and communities throughout North Carolina.
Duly adopted and effective this the 10th day of March 2026.
