Obama addresses importance of colon cancer screening

Last night, President Obama addressed Congress and the American public about his plans for health care reform. Obama debunked myths about his proposed reform package in an effort to calm fears about a government takeover of health care. But the president also addressed the importance of access to important preventative screening tests, including the colonoscopy.  According to a White House release, The president’s plan will require that all Americans have access to free preventive services under their health insurance plans.

“Too many Americans forgo needed preventive care, in part because of the cost of check-ups and screenings that can identify health problems early when they can be most effectively treated. For example, 24 percent of women age 40 and over have not received a mammogram in the past two years, and 38 percent of adults age 50 and over have never had a colon cancer screening.”

In response to the speech, noted physicians such at Jonathan LaPook have come out to support the President’s stand. LaPook, a medical correspondent for CBS News and gastroenterologist writes, “As a doctor who has held the hands of patients dying from totally preventable illnesses, I couldn’t agree more.” He goes on to explain that not enough patients are being screened. “Although the death rate from colon cancer has dropped in recent years – likely mostly because of screening efforts – colorectal cancer still strikes almost 150,000 Americans every year and kills about 50,000.”

Criticism about the president’s plan centers primarily on the cost of preventative care rather than the importance of providing it. In a roundtable discussion for the New York Times, Paul Levy, president and chief executive officer of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, acknowledges that access to insurance to cover preventative tests is crucial, but questions Obama’s plan to pay for it. According to the president, his health care plan will not increase the deficit.

Do you have 5 minutes to help make colon cancer screening accessible to all Americans?

Visit the American Cancer Society’s website to sign a petition or show your support. Better yet, support local efforts to increase awareness about the importance of colon cancer screening. Sign up for a Get Your Rear In Gear event or start one in your community.