Colon cancer legislation advances in Senate

The American Cancer Society announced today that Minnesota’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention Act unanimously passed the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.  Senator Kathy Sheran of Mankato, nurse, nurse educator and mother of three, authored the bill.

“The importance of early screening for colorectal cancer cannot be understated,” said Sen. Sheran in March 2008 when she proposed the screening program. “When the disease is allowed to grow and spread, it becomes unmanageable and, all too frequently, fatal. However, research shows that nine out of ten people survive the disease when it is caught and treated early.”

Sen. Sheran’s bill is designed to increase the early detection of the disease by establishing a state-sponsored screening program for Minnesotans over the age of 50, or those younger than 50 but considered at high risk for colon cancer. The program would be available to individuals who do not have an insurance plan that covers routine colorectal cancer screenings, and whose income is below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. For those that are eligible, the program would provide screenings, follow-up services for abnormal tests, and diagnostic services.

Under the bill, if an individual without medical insurance is found to have colorectal cancer, their treatment would be covered by medical assistance. Medical assistance coverage would end when treatment for the cancer is completed.

Support this legislation in Congress by contacting your lawmaker and reminding them that March is Colon Cancer Awareness month.  Send an ecard today to remind them to get their colon cancer screening.