Senate Designates March 2000 As The First National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
Monday, 22 November 1999

Washington, DC, November 22, 1999 - - The United States Senate officially declared March 2000 as the first annual National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month on Friday, November 19th. Senators John Breaux (D-LA), Connie Mack (FL), Frank Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) sponsored the legislation (S. Res. 108).

"This resolution is an important first step in drawing attention to the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States," said Senator Breaux. "With 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed every year, we need to bring more national attention to this disease."

"Early detection of cancer saved my life, and it saved the life of my wife and our daughter," said Senator Mack. "When detected early, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 91%; yet only 37% of cases are diagnosed at this stage. By raising awareness about colorectal cancer screening, we can reduce significantly the 56,000 deaths which occur annually in America from this horrible disease."

The Cancer Research Foundation of America together with the American Digestive Health Foundation and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable have been working with senators to designate March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

"We are gratified that the Senate has recognized the importance of colorectal cancer,"said Carolyn Aldige, president and founder of the Cancer Research Foundation of America. "Colorectal cancer is a disease that no one has to die from. It is preventable…treatable… beatable…. Colorectal cancer is preventable through regular screenings, a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is treatable when detected in its earliest stages and can be beaten."

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the rectum and colon, affects both men and women equally. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at advanced stages.

The Cancer Research Foundation of America, the National Colorectal Cancer Round Table and the American Digestive Health Foundation have joined forces to designate March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative will be launched in March 2000. Its goals are to generate widespread awareness about colorectal cancer and encourage people to learn more about how to prevent the disease through a healthy lifestyle and regular screening. National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is being made possible through the generous contributions of its presenting sponsor Hoffmann-La Roche and its sustaining sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology.

For more information, or to contact Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, see their website at: www.preventcancer.org