Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Bill Clears Health Committee

COLUMBUS –State Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and the Ohio House have voted in favor House Bill 537 to designate Feb. 12 each year as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Day. 

Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts, the part of the body that carries digestive fluid and other waste away from the body. This type of cancer develops when the bile duct cells begin to rapidly multiply and form a mass. 

“I firmly believe that bringing awareness to this devastating cancer will not only help to support research efforts, but will create an outlet for individuals suffering from this deadly disease,” said Abrams. “I hope this bill allows them the opportunity to feel heard, understood and valued.”

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer with only 8,000 individuals diagnosed each year. Due to the cancer’s limited occurrence, it is often not diagnosed until it has metastasized and in the late stages, making effective treatment difficult. 

“Designating Feb. 12 as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Day is a simple next step to shed light on this rare and deadly illness,” said Abrams.

House Bill 537 now awaits a vote on the House Floor.