Representatives Granger and Boren have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives supporting the observance of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  Even with advances in screening technology colorectal cancer continues to be the second leading cancer killer of men and women combined.  In 2010, nearly 50,000 people in the United States will die from colorectal cancer.  The real tragedy is that many of these deaths could be prevented if more people took advantage of colorectal cancer screening and early detection.

Representative Boren issued the following statement explaining the importance of observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month:

“Like far too many Americans, my life has been touched by cancer.  Twelve years ago I lost my mother, Janna, to colon cancer.  I understand too well the importance of catching this type of cancer early.  Colorectal Cancer is a leading killer in the United States that is made even more tragic  by the fact that early detection procedures are available to prevent much of the suffering and death caused by it.  By creating greater awareness of the disease and its available treatments through events like Colorectal Awareness Month, we can show that this is one cancer that we have the tools to fight back against.  I would like to commend the C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition for their hard work and dedication to raising awareness about this serious, yet highly preventable disease.”

Representative Granger issued the following statement explaining the importance of observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month:

“Eleven years ago colorectal cancer was a disease that not many people were talking about.  In November 1999, a resolution passed the Senate designating March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  The House passed a supporting resolution in March 2000.  In the years since, advocacy groups like the C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition have increased awareness about colorectal cancer and thousands of Americans have been screened.  The more we talk about this disease, and the more we encourage our family, friends, and neighbors to get screened – the more lives we can save.”

Take a minute and call your Representative at 202-224-3121 and ask them to cosponsor H.Res. 1114, so that this important Resolution can be scheduled for floor consideration by the full House of Representatives.