Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. This year alone, an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from the disease.

Compounding the tragedy is the fact that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented each year if every individual older the age of 50 received recommended colon cancer screening. Unfortunately, many people are deterred from getting screened by co-pays and other patient costs. The new health care law waives co-pays for people with private insurance, but Medicare patients still can get hit with a surprise bill if a polyp is found during a routine screening.

I visited Washington, D.C., this month to meet with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to ask her to co-sponsor the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. By removing this barrier to screenings, we could potentially save thousands of lives, reduce suffering and reduce cancer costs in Medicare.

Jan Ronan, volunteer

American Cancer Society

Cancer Action Network

Gorham

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