
|24 October 2024
News
|28 February 2023
The White House is calling attention to the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America — by proclaiming March 2023 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
In remembrance of every life cut short by this devastating disease, the Administration states it is determined to end cancer as we know it by sharing information about risk factors, promoting life-saving early screenings, and improving access to affordable treatment.
According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages (younger than age 55) and with more advanced cases. African American people are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more likely to die from the disease.
As a result, the Biden Administration has implemented several initiatives and policies to combat cancer and help patients and families, including:
President Biden states that “our country needs to do more to help patients and families navigate the cancer care system. We need to learn from patients’ experiences, and we need to share data and knowledge to help prevent other families from encountering the same obstacles to prevention and care. When it comes to colorectal cancer, we must also focus our efforts on those most likely to develop this disease, including Americans over the age of 45; Black Americans; people with a family history of colorectal cancer; and people who smoke, consume alcohol, or are obese.”
March is a time for us to highlight this disease and the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Screening saves lives. It is recommended that all Americans who are older than 45 or have other risk factors get regular screenings for colorectal cancer.
National Minority Quality Forum is a research and educational organization dedicated to ensuring that high-risk racial and ethnic populations and communities receive optimal health care. This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization integrates data and expertise in support of initiatives to eliminate health disparities.
FOLLOW US ON: