Payne Applauds Presidential Proclamation Declaring March 2014 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Statement

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) applauds President Barack Obama for issuing a Presidential Proclamation designating March 2014 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In December of last year, Rep. Payne, Jr. authored and sent a letter to President Obama requesting he issue a Presidential Proclamation designating March 2014 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. One-hundred and forty-six Members of Congress signed onto the letter in support of Rep. Payne, Jr.'s efforts.

"I would like to thank President Obama for declaring March 2014 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month through the issuance of a Presidential Proclamation," said Rep. Payne, Jr. "Since 2000, every year, colorectal cancer survivors and patients, caregivers, health care providers, policy makers, and researchers stand united in their goal to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer."

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States, yet it is one of the most highly preventable forms of cancer. On March 6, 2012, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. lost his fight to colon cancer.

"After witnessing my father's heartbreaking battle with this sometimes fatal, yet preventable and treatable cancer, it has become my mission to raise awareness, educate, and help save lives," said Rep. Payne, Jr. "I know that a stigma exists around colorectal cancer screenings as people tell me the process is too invasive. But my response to them is "Be a man. Get tested. You might just save your own life.' And truth be told, many lives can be saved -- both women and men -- if people receive preventive cancer screenings, and they don't wait too late in life before seeing their doctor."

This proclamation is especially timely because every March the colorectal cancer community honors those who are fighting or have lost their battle with colorectal cancer by holding special events to raise awareness about the disease, including symptoms, risk factors, and screening tests.

"I am honored to have President Obama join the colorectal cancer community in our efforts to save lives and reduce the suffering associated with this preventable disease."

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