[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PREVENTIVE SCREENING FOR COLORECTAL CANCER

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                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce the Eliminate 
Colorectal Cancer Act, a bill that can save the lives of thousands of 
people who might otherwise succumb to a type of cancer that could be 
prevented. This legislation seeks to address the lack of coverage for 
colorectal cancer screening by all health insurers.
  I am proud to introduce this bill along with my distinguished 
colleagues, Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative Connie Morella, 
as well as colorectal cancer survivors and groups dedicated to the 
effort of preventing this disease.
  Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the 
U.S. for men and women combined. An estimated 56,700 people will die 
from colorectal cancer this year and I in 17 people will be diagnosed 
with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
  This is an unspeakable tragedy because colorectal cancer is 
preventable, treatable, and curable when detected at an early stage. 
When colorectal cancer is detected before it has spread, the five year 
survival rate is over 91 percent.
  Further, colorectal cancer is just about the only cancer we know how 
to prevent. If polyps are discovered in the colon, they can be removed 
before they become cancerous and the cancer will never develop.
  And yet tens of thousands of Americans continue to die from this 
disease, mostly because their cancer is detected at a later, less 
treatable stage.
  No one should die of colorectal cancer. This cancer is preventable 
and detectable. It is slowgrowing and easy to stop in its tracks. The 
fact that over 56,000 Americans die of this disease is nothing more 
than a massive failure of our preventive health system.
  We need to do more to educate Americans about the ways they can avoid 
this deadly disease. Too many misconceptions persist about colorectal 
cancer.
  For example, many women consider colorectal cancer a man's disease, 
but it is an equal opportunity killer. In fact, the American Cancer 
Society estimates that more women than men will die of colorectal 
cancer this year.
  Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control, the 
National Cancer Institute and Department of Health and Human Services 
have worked together to develop a nationwide colon cancer awareness and 
education program. Grassroots efforts by individuals like as Kevin 
Richardson of the Backstreet Boys are also critical to improving public 
health and awareness.
  Today we continue our efforts to combat colorectal cancer. Too many 
people are failing to have regular colorectal cancer tests because 
their insurers will not pay for a screening exam in the absence of 
symptoms.
  What makes colorectal cancer so insidious is that there are often no 
symptoms until the cancer is widespread.
  Our legislation will require insurers to cover a regular colorectal 
cancer screening exam. Doctors and patients will be able to decide 
together the appropriate screening method and frequency of testing.
  For many Americans, denial of insurance coverage equals denial of 
care. They simply cannot afford to pay for these tests out-of-pocket 
when they are already paying thousands of dollars per year for 
insurance. A colonoscopy costs around $1000 per test.
  Our bill makes sense for both consumers and insurance companies. 
Colorectal cancer screening is cost-effective, considering that 
treatment for a patient with an advanced form of cancer can easily be 
$40,000 or more.
  In fact, many insurers do cover colorectal cancer screening. But in 
order to make a meaningful impact and save lives, all insurers should 
give their enrollees access to this vital form of screening.
  Here in the House of Representatives we have already have the support 
of 48 original cosponsors. The bill would require all insurance plans 
to cover colorectal cancer screening in accordance with recognized 
guidelines, such as those issued by the American Cancer Society.
  I am proud to be a part of this effort to ensure that all Americans 
can get tested for colorectal cancer. I look forward to working with 
everyone here to pass our legislation as soon as possible.

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