[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E833-E834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPORTING COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 60, supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer 
Awareness Month. I want to thank my colleague from Texas, 
Representative Kay Granger.
  This important legislation recognizes the devastating effects of 
colorectal cancer, which kills 49,960 Americans each year, and raises 
awareness regarding the realities and severities of this disease.
  Colorectal cancer includes both colon and rectal cancer and is the 
second most common cause of cancer deaths for both men and women within 
the United States. This form of cancer does not discriminate between 
men and women, race and ethnicity, while the rates of diagnoses are 
slightly higher among the African America community.

[[Page E834]]

  The survival rate of those who have colorectal cancer is 90 percent 
when detected in its early stages while that rate dramatically drops to 
only 10 percent when colorectal cancer is detected after it has spread 
to distant organs. However, colorectal cancer is very preventable. If 
Americans age 50 or older were screened regularly for colorectal 
cancer, the rate of those affected by the cancer will be cut 
tremendously.
  It is not surprising to note that uninsured Americans are more likely 
to be diagnosed with late stage colon cancer. Only 18.8 percent of 
Americans without health coverage in the United States have currently 
been properly screened for colorectal cancer.
  Regular colorectal cancer screening makes economic sense because it 
has been ranked as one of the most cost effective screening 
interventions available, with the potential to save more than 30,000 
lives a year. Treatment costs for colorectal cancer are extremely high 
and are estimated at $8,400,000,000 for 2004. Although the treatment 
costs for colorectal cancer is high the risks associated with non-
treatment are even higher.
  Colorectal cancer awareness is important year round, but should 
definitely be emphasized during the month of March. The potential 
deadly effects of colorectal cancer should encourage Americans from all 
walks of life to be tested and treated by their doctors. Colorectal 
cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading 
cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer 
causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. This month should also raise 
public awareness for the need of colorectal cancer testing for those 
Americans who are unable to afford such testing. It is imperative that 
Congress find a way to ensure every American at risk is tested and 
treated in the early stages to prevent an even higher death rate. March 
is an important month and should be recognized by all Americans to 
focus on the special opportunity to offer education on the importance 
of early detection and screening.
  Today, I support the observance of March as Colorectal Cancer 
Awareness Month. For these reasons, I strongly support H. Con. Res. 60 
and urge all members to do the same.