Designates March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to promote awareness, screening, and early detection of this highly preventable disease.
Mark Green
Representative
TN-7
This bill supports the designation of March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to increase awareness and education about this highly preventable disease. It highlights the importance of regular screenings, which could significantly reduce deaths, and encourages participation in awareness and educational activities.
March 2025 Declared National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: New Bill Pushes for Life-Saving Screenings
The new bill officially designates March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It's a nationwide push to get more people talking about—and screened for—colorectal cancer, which is currently the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The core goal here is simple: boost awareness and education to save lives through early detection.
Getting the Word Out on Colorectal Cancer
The bill aims to shine a spotlight on how preventable colorectal cancer is, especially with regular screenings. It notes that 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided if everyone 50 and older got screened as recommended. It also draws attention to the stark difference in survival rates: 90% when caught early, versus just 39% when found later. And, it's not just a concern for the over-50 crowd. The bill highlights a worrying trend: by 2030, colorectal cancer is projected to be the top cancer killer for people aged 20-49.
Real-World Impact: From Clinics to Conversations
This awareness month isn't just about posters and pamphlets. It's about sparking real conversations and actions. Think of it like this: your local clinic might ramp up its screening reminders, your doctor might bring it up during your check-up, and you might even see community events focused on prevention. For someone working a busy schedule, this increased visibility could be the nudge they need to finally book that screening. For a small business owner, it might mean offering health workshops or resources to employees. It's all about making sure people have the information and access they need to take proactive steps.
The Bigger Picture and Potential Hurdles
While the bill focuses on boosting awareness, it indirectly touches on broader healthcare challenges. For instance, the fact that one in three adults over 50 aren't up-to-date with screenings points to potential issues like access to healthcare, insurance coverage, or even just awareness of the guidelines. Long-term, this push could lead to more discussions about how to make screenings more accessible and affordable for everyone. This bill is a step toward making sure more Americans are informed and take action, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs tied to late-stage treatments.