Inhofe Introduces Colonography Screening Legislation

Statement

In commemoration of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today introduced S. 2265, the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2012. The bill's House companion legislation is H.R. 4165 introduced by Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX-4). When detected early, colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. This legislation provides greater access to minimally invasive proven screening tools, called CT Colonography, for improved detection.

"This legislation is essential to protecting Americans across the nation from colorectal cancer, one of the most preventable forms, yet second leading causes of cancer deaths," said Inhofe. "This disease disproportionately affects the elderly, with a rate above 70 percent of all new diagnoses of cancer. This technology allows patients to utilize a less invasive procedure, instead of opting for the traditional colonoscopies, one that most people are reluctant to undergo."

Inhofe continued, "Early detection is the key to cancer prevention, and this bill will make this exam more readily available to everyone over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is on the rise and the best way to combat it is routine exams and a healthy lifestyle."

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