OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Supporting the Observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Floor Speech

Date: March 31, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net Health Insurance

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Madam Speaker, first, I want to thank Congressman Wynn for his effort to bring this critical resolution to the floor today. I'm glad to be here to speak out in strong support of H. Con. Res. 302, a resolution to recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

My family and my life, like so many others, have been touched by someone with cancer. Two and a half years ago, after fighting courageously for a year, my amazing daughter-in-law, Fiona, died of colorectal cancer, leaving behind two young children, a husband and many loving family members and friends. At 38 years old, she died, not having a screening, and though, in retrospect, she had symptoms. Too many of us have either struggled with cancer ourselves or know of someone who has.

I recently saw a new study from the CDC saying that colorectal cancer testing has risen steadily since 2002, and this is very encouraging news. But another study that appeared in the Journal CANCER at the end of last year is extremely troubling to me. It shows a significant underuse of colorectal cancer screening procedures among Medicare beneficiaries. In fact, only 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries received recommended screening.

Mr. WYNN. The gentlelady is granted an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. In fact, only 25 percent of Medicare patients received recommended screening during the study period.

We have to do better. We must work to expand public education and understanding of the benefits of screening. Congress needs to make it a priority to reduce the amount of out-of-pocket-costs associated with cancer screening to ensure that those who may be at risk of developing colorectal cancer get screened. And as the richest country in the world, we need to act to make sure that everyone gets the medical care they need.

You've heard the statistics. If caught early the survival rate is 90 percent; if not, it's only 10 percent.

Through the establishment of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month we will add to the over one million colorectal cancer survivors living in America today.

I urge my colleagues to support this wonderful resolution, and I thank the gentleman for introducing it.

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