Introduced

March 27, 2025

 

H. 4261

 

Introduced by Rep. G. M. Smith

 

S. Printed 3/27/25--H.

Read the first time March 27, 2025

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-320 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS "BLOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH."

 

Whereas, an estimated 1,698,339 people in the United States are living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes or myeloproliferative neoplasms. Approximately every three minutes, one person in the US is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma; and

 

Whereas, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are expected to cause the deaths of an estimated 57,260 people in the United States annually. These diseases are expected to account for 9.4 percent of the deaths from cancer, based on the estimated total of 611,720 cancer deaths, and survivors may experience long-term effects of treatment, potentially requiring lifelong follow-up care; and

 

Whereas, investments in cancer research and control have contributed to significant progress in understanding and treating some blood cancers, increasing survival rates for many blood cancer patients; and

 

Whereas, continued investment and innovation is necessary to promptly diagnose and effectively and safely treat all blood cancers; nonprofit and voluntary health organizations exist to find cures and ensure access to treatment for blood cancer patients; and

 

Whereas, the State of South Carolina is committed to the study, prevention, and eradication of blood cancers, and all South Carolinians are encouraged to support patients and their families, as well as efforts to better understand and find cures for these diseases. Now, therefore,

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 3, Title 53 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 53-3-320.  The month of September of each year is designated as "Blood Cancer Awareness Month."

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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