Senators Urged to Fight Colon Cancer; American Cancer Society Takes to the Airwaves; Ads Run Across the Country 7/8/2002
From: Unice Lieberman of The American Cancer Society, 202-661-5711; e-mail: Unice.Lieberman@cancer.org WASHINGTON, July 8 -- Just one week after President Bush underwent a colonoscopy to check for early signs of colon cancer, the American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health agency, is sending a strong message of thanks to the President for highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer. In newspaper advertisements and nationwide radio announcements, the Society is also taking the opportunity to encourage Senators to move quickly on legislation that will enable patients to choose the best tests for them in consultation with their physicians. On Wednesday, July 10, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is scheduled to vote on the Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act (S. 710). This legislation would require all health insurance plans to cover the full range of colorectal cancer (commonly known as colon cancer) screening tools, including colonoscopy, for all patients age 50 and over and for others who have significant risk factors for the disease. "The Senate HELP Committee has a real chance this week to impact the lives of thousands of Americans," said Daniel E. Smith, National Vice President, Federal and State Government Relations. "It is our hope that after seeing these ads and hearing our message on the radio, people will make their feelings known to their elected representatives and ask them to support this lifesaving legislation." It is expected that 56,600 Americans will die this year from colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths. When colon cancer is detected early, the survival rate can increase to as much as 90 percent. Colon cancer can be prevented, provided the screening tools needed to detect precancerous polyps are available. If the disease is diagnosed at the latest stages and has spread to other parts of the body, the opportunity for cure decreases greatly- 92 percent of those diagnosed late will die within five years. An analysis by The Lewin Group, a well-recognized and respected national health and human services consulting firm, found that for the majority of health plans, assuring coverage for the full range of colon cancer screening would not increase costs. In fact, when a health plan offers the full range of colon cancer screening tools, it is actually more affordable than offering only the bare minimum of tests. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society website at http://www.cancer.org. ---- Editors Note: Text of ad follows. Radio Editors Note: Radio actuality feed can be obtained by visiting http://www.radiospace.com. -- Thank You President Bush On June 29, on the advice of his doctor, President Bush underwent a colonoscopy, a prevention and screening test for colorectal cancer (commonly known as colon cancer). The President was given a clean bill of health and within hours had jogged four miles and returned to work. "I do recommend and urge that people take (and) get these precautionary tests," the President said. The American Cancer Society thanks the President for raising public awareness of the importance of colon cancer screening. Every year colon cancer claims the lives of more than 56,000 Americans. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in this country. But this doesn't have to be the case. When colon cancer is detected early, the survival rate can increase to as much as 90 percent. Colon cancer can even be prevented, provided the screening tools needed to detect precancerous polyps are available. If the disease is diagnosed at the latest stages and has spread to other parts of the body, the opportunity for cure decreases greatly - 92 percent of those diagnosed late will die within five years. The Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act (S. 710) will help more Americans get potentially life-saving colon cancer screening exams. Access to a full range of tests is necessary so patients can choose the best tests for them in consultation with their physicians. Many health plans offer only the most basic screening tools as part of their coverage. S. 710 would ensure that the full range of colon screening tests are covered-including colonoscopy, which Presidential Physician, Dr. Richard Tubb called "preventative medicine at its finest." The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is expected to vote on S. 710 this week. By supporting this legislation, they can help ensure this life-saving legislation moves forward in Congress. Let patients and doctors decide. Support patient choice. For more information on what you can do to help pass the Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS 2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org. |