Take this simple step to support federal colon cancer legislation

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network continues to monitor progress of HR1189, the “Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act”, a federal bill which would provide 3 to 1 matching dollars to expand state colorectal cancer screening programs. The bill was introduced in Congress at the end of February and is currently picking up sponsors.  In a collaborative effort to generate support for the legislation, the Colon Cancer Coalition participated in C3′s Call-on Congress in March.  Advocates from the Colon Cancer Coalition traveled to Washington to meet with legislators and influence colorectal cancer policy.

According to an ACS release, the benefits of the legislation include:

• More states would receive federal funding to launch programs to provide comprehensive colon cancer screening and treatment for uninsured and underinsured Americans.
• More Americans would have access to life-saving cancer screenings if needed
• Those in the program would have access to screenings recommended by the American Cancer Society
• Since treatment costs are extremely high, increasing screening in the pre-Medicare population (50-64 year olds) would provide savings in future Medicare screening and treatment costs.

If this legislation is important to you, sign up to be a Colon Cancer Insider though the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.  This simple step will allow the American Cancer Society to send you email alerts about current legislation and provide you with information about how to help.

And keep us in this loop!  The power of community involvement and support fuels the work of the Colon Cancer Coalition. When supporters take steps to email legislators, participate in events, or even talk to friends and family about the importance of colon cancer screening, the ripple effect is evident in the passing of both state and federal legislation and in the local success of events such as the Get Your Rear In Gear 5K’s.

Tell us what you’ve been doing to promote colon cancer awareness, education, legislation in your community!  Use the comment box below to keep us informed about the important work being done in your neighborhood, your city, state or on the national level.