COLON CANCER
Congress Can Help Prevent Half of Colon Cancer Deaths
The science is clear. If Americans received regular screenings for colon cancer, half of all colon cancer deaths could be prevented. But, for too many Americans, the screenings either aren't covered by their health insurance or they can't afford the out-of-pocket costs.
Congress can change that. New legislation championed by ACS CAN will have a direct impact on reducing colon cancer deaths. It will lead to better prevention and early detection of colon cancer and improved access to treatment.
Benefits of the Legislation
Benefits of the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act 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
- 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
Fact Sheets
The Scope of the Problem
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. But, of the men and women expected to die of colorectal cancer in 2010, 50% could be saved if they were tested. Read the fact sheet.
Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening: Saving Lives and Saving Dollars
By increasing colorectal cancer screening rates among 50 to 64 year-olds, we will reduce suffering, save lives, and reduce cancer costs to Medicare. Read the analysis by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. But, of the men and women expected to die of colorectal cancer in 2010, 50% could be saved if they were tested. Read the fact sheet.
Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening: Saving Lives and Saving Dollars
By increasing colorectal cancer screening rates among 50 to 64 year-olds, we will reduce suffering, save lives, and reduce cancer costs to Medicare. Read the analysis by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
About the Legislation
The Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in March 2011.
The Act is being championed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Kay Granger and James McGovern. The bill number is HR 912.Read the House bill.
In the U.S. Senate, the Act was introduced by Senators Joseph Liberman and Kay Bailey Hutchinson. The bill number is S 494. Read the Senate bill.
You can also read the press release that ACS CAN promoted after the introduction of the bills.
