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Colon cancer is a growing problem in American society. It is predicted that in 2010, 142,570 people will be diagnosed and 51,370 people will die from colon cancer. Men and women have a 1 in 20 chance of developing this form of cancer at some point in their life.
Cancer not only has a medical impact on an individual, it also has economic impacts on the individual and society. According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2008, the total cost associated with cancer was over $228 billion. Due to the diagnosis of an advanced stage of cancer, this has the potential to lead to high medical costs, poor outcomes, and higher likelihood of death. When detected early, the five year survival rate is 90%; however this drops down to 11% when detected late.
The Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act of 2009 (HR 1189) is the solution. Through this act, a program run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be created that will facilitate screenings and treatment for people who are considered at risk for the development of this disease as well as those with little or no insurance. The act will also give full access to the continuum of care, such as treatment and follow-up tests, for those who are tested and found to have malignant polyps. The number of people that will be screened and treated for colon cancer, including those who would otherwise be unable to pay for the services, will be increased through the passage of this act.
You can support this bill by contacting your congressman or congresswoman via mail, email, or phone. Let’s put an end to this cancer.
Sincerely yours,
Rebecca Jadin
Menasha, WI
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