2024 House Resolution 189

Whereas, Cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile duct, a thin tube, about 4 to 5 inches long, that reaches from the liver to the small intestine. The major function of the bile duct is to move a fluid called bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it helps digest the fats in food; and

Whereas, There are three types of cholangiocarcinoma: intrahepatic, extrahepatic, and perihilar. The mortality rate of this disease has increased dramatically in the last decade; and

Whereas, An estimated 10,000 people in the United States develop cholangiocarcinoma each year and almost two out of three people with cholangiocarcinoma are sixty-five or older when it is found: and

Whereas, The chances of survival for patients with bile duct cancer depends to a large extent on its location and how advanced it is when it is found; and

Whereas, Patients are typically diagnosed at a late stage due to no validated early method of detection. Symptoms of jaundice, abdominal pain, itchy skin, and weight loss are symptoms that do not usually present till advanced disease progression; and

Whereas, Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer. Of the top eight deadliest cancers, seven are rare. Rare cancers have a 5-year survival rate under fifty percent with the cholangiocarcinoma 5-year survival rate being approximately twenty percent; and

Whereas, There is currently no cure for cholangiocarcinoma/bile duct cancer; and

Whereas, Founded in 2006, in Salt Lake City, Utah, by a family who lost a loved one to cholangiocarcinoma, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has grown to become the leading global resource in research, education, and public awareness; and

Whereas, Foundations, research and teaching hospitals, rare cancer advocacy groups, and patient advocacy groups from around the globe have joined forces to recognize February as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month; and

Whereas, Increased cholangiocarcinoma advocacy, awareness, research, and education will bring improved outcomes for patients in earlier detection and treatment and potential curative methods;

Whereas, The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved new treatments creating a new standard of care for cholangiocarcinoma patients with the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy; and

Whereas, This body encourages all citizens to educate themselves about the disease by visiting cholangiocarcinoma.org and signing a pledge to help raise awareness in support of Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month, and encourages the state of Michigan to remain committed to the continued support of research for treatment and a cure of cholangiocarcinoma, now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 2023 as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We recognize all patients and caregivers impacted by the rare, lethal cancer.