[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            WORLD OSTOMY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues know, I am a strong 
proponent of updating Medicare to include coverage of important 
preventive benefits. One of the most important preventive benefits we 
can add to Medicare is colon cancer screening.
  Today, I would like to bring to the attention of my colleagues the 
existence of an important upcoming date: October 5, 1996. This day has 
been set aside by the United Ostomy Association and the International 
Ostomy Association to celebrate World Ostomy Day. This day will provide 
an opportunity for us all to increase our awareness and understanding 
of ostomy and continent rehabilitation and the disease that can lead to 
this type of surgery.
  An estimated 750,000 people in the United States have had ostomy 
surgery. Ostomy refers to a surgical procedure that replaces normal 
bodily function in providing a cure for colon and rectal cancers, 
inflammatory bowel diseases including colitis and Crohn's disease, 
birth defects, and severe internal injuries.
  Approximately 60 percent of all ostomy surgeries are performed as a 
result of colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer 
in America and, contrary to popular belief, it strikes men and women 
equally. There are more than 140,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and 
more than 55,000 men and women die of this cancer annually. Like most 
cancers, early detection of colorectal cancer is crucial to the 
survival of those diagnosed with this deadly disease.
  The United Ostomy Association provides psychological and educational 
services and support for individuals, and their families, who face 
ostomy or continent surgery. Education and awareness help to remove the 
fear and misunderstanding associated with ostomy surgery and encourages 
the continuation of a full and productive life after surgery. The 
United Ostomy Association has over 35,000 members in chapters 
throughout the United States and Canada.
  Through World Ostomy Day, the United Ostomy Association and the 
International Ostomy Association seek to inform persons with an ostomy 
or continent procedure of the support and assistance services that are 
available through their chapters and to encourage a better 
understanding and acceptance of people who have had ostomy or continent 
surgery. I commend these organizations for their important work with 
those who must undergo ostomy surgery and for helping to education us 
all.
  During this session of Congress we have made a strong case that 
Medicare reform must be more than simply slashing reimbursement levels. 
If we want true Medicare reform, we must update the program so that it 
can take advantage of medical technological advances. Preventive care 
such as colon cancer screening is a perfect example of such needed 
improvement. Not only will the inclusion of colon cancer screening save 
lives, it will also save money in the long-run. Including colon cancer 
screening in Medicare is a win-win situation. I will be reintroducing 
my legislation, the Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, next 
Congress and look forward to working with my colleagues to gain passage 
of this important component of Medicare reform.

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