From left are Senator Roger Niello, Joyce Moss (Former Nurse and FAP Advocate), and Dan Shockley (FAP Advocate). Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Roger Niello

CALIFORNIA (MPG) - Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) introduced Senate Resolution 112 to declare the week of June 14 through June 20, 2026, as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week in California. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary condition that results in a high number of polyps developing within the colon and rectum.

“By declaring this week as FAP awareness week, we acknowledge a commitment to encouraging Californians to gather their family health history and share this information with their healthcare provider for early screening and prevention of cancers associated with these conditions,” said Niello. “Understanding your risk for FAP can help healthcare providers determine appropriate treatment and screening protocol for prevention and early detection.”

Dan Shockley, who has been an active advocate of FAP awareness, lives in Galt, CA. Shockley is a constituent of Senator Roger Niello, and said, “Genetic testing and early detection are paramount. I'm living proof. As a 14-year attenuated FAP warrior, my mantra is a positive spin on a bleak diagnosis: Always Forge Ahead with a Purpose!”

Since 2012, Life’s a Polyp Foundation has been in action raising awareness and supporting FAP patients online worldwide. Its Founder and President, Jenny Jones, stated, “FAP Awareness Week highlights the care FAP requires, ultimately helping save lives. When patients are fighting the lack of awareness in the medical field about FAP, it results in difficulty to obtain diagnostic testing upon known FAP risk, and they are unable to obtain proper surveillance after diagnosis. Then, their lives are put at risk for multiple cancers and other health issues.” Jones continued, “Recognizing this week tells medical providers there's something they need to learn more about and tells every FAP patient out there that they are seen and they are not alone. There's a whole community of us out here with welcoming arms.”

More information and resources regarding Familial Adenomatous Polyposis can be found on lifesapolyp.org.