WHEREAS, appendix cancer, also known as appendiceal cancer, is a rare but serious disease that is biologically distinct from colorectal cancer; and

WHEREAS, the incidence of appendix cancer has been increasing, particularly among individuals under the age of 50, while the disease remains difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are often vague or absent in the early stages; and

WHEREAS, delayed diagnosis can make treatment more complex, underscoring the importance of increased awareness, early recognition, and continued research; and

WHEREAS, the Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation, founded in 2008, supports research and education to improve the diagnosis and treatment of appendix cancer and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP); and

WHEREAS, patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates are working together to raise awareness, advance research, and improve outcomes for all those affected by appendix cancer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 2026 as APPENDIX CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.