This month marks a time when many groups and organizations appeal to legislators to name a week after a cause or disease that needs national attention.

Tuesday, March 27, 2001

This month marks a time when many groups and organizations appeal to legislators to name a week after a cause or disease that needs national attention.

As March comes to a close, we are reminded by our legislators of one more thing to keep in mind before forging ahead into the year.

The U.S. Congress has designated March as "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" to increase public awareness about the disease and to encourage persons over the age of 50 to reduce their risk for colorectal cancer through regular screening tests.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. During 2001, about 56,700 deaths will be attributed to colorectal cancer and an estimated 135,400 new cases will be diagnosed. Although effective screening is available, only 44 percent of the adults age 50 or older have been screened recently.

It appears that Lawrence County and surrounding areas have a higher than average incidence of cancers of all types.

Early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Talk with your healthcare provider, discuss our risk factors and schedule your appointment today.