Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Bill Clears Senate, Heads to Governor

COLUMBUS, Ohio - State Representative Cindy Abrams’ (R-Harrison) legislation to designate February 12 as Cholangiocarinoma (pronounced koh-LAN-jee-oh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Awareness Day, or House Bill 537, today unanimously passed in the Senate Health Committee and was favorably passed by the Ohio Senate.

“I am grateful for the Senate’s speedy passage of this legislation,” said Abrams. “It is my hope that this legislation starts conversations about Cholangiocarcinoma and how we can help moving forward by designating February 12 as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Day.”

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare bile duct cancer, with no preventative or early detection procedures. With less than 10,000 people diagnosed each year, cholangiocarcinoma is unfortunately often misdiagnosed or not detected until it has advanced to Stage 4, metastatic cancer.

No cure has been identified for Cholangiocarcinoma yet, leading most patients to turn to experimental clinical trials, aggressive surgery paired with chemotherapy and radiation. When those methods prove unsuccessful, patients turn to palliative care.

 “If more lives can be saved by simply bringing more awareness to the diagnosis, then the need for the legislation is clear,” said Abrams.  “Every attempt to amplify advocacy and promote education tells these patients that they matter. I hope this bill allows them the opportunity to feel heard, understood, and valued.”

H.B. 537 now heads to the Governor for further consideration and signing.