Cancer Research Foundation Of America Salutes Sense Of Congress Resolution Highlighting Importance Of Colorectal Cancer Education And Screening

Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
Wednesday, 4 October 2000

WASHINGTON, DC, October 4, 2000 - Yesterday the House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent legislation initiated by the Cancer Research Foundation of America and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. H. Con. Res. 133, a Sense of Congress Resolution sponsored by Congressman Jim Moran (VA-8), Spencer Bachus (AL-6), Bob Clement (TN-5), Billy Tauzin (LA-3), Ken Bentsen (TX-25) and Mark Sanford (SC-1) highlights the importance of educating all Americans about colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for men and women combined.

With passage of this resolution, the House of Representatives has joined the Senate and the Administration in initiating a dialogue among health educators, physicians, patients and advocates that will lead to an increase in the number of individuals screened for colorectal cancer each year.

In 2000, the Cancer Research Foundation of America initiated S. Res. 108, a resolution sponsored by Senators John Breaux (LA), Connie Mack (FL), Frank Murkowski (AK) and Tim Johnson (SD) that declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, a Presidential Proclamation was issued by the White House also declaring March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

"Few Americans know how preventable colorectal cancer really is," stated Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder of the Cancer Research Foundation of America. "It is estimated that 30,000 lives a year could be saved if men and women would simply get screened. The passing of this resolution is one more giant step forward in our fight against this disease."

Founded in 1985 by Aldigé, the Cancer Research Foundation of America's commitment to prevention is fueled by the fact that certain cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, yet more than 550,000 Americans die from the diseases annually. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported research, education and early detection programs in excess of $50 million.

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