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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is committed to bringing the voice of colorectal cancer survivors to all forums. CCA will work with legislators, researchers, regulators, prevention specialists, the business community, the medical community and the media to bring about change. By bringing our personal stories to Congress as advocates, we can show the promise of research, the progress we have made, and the research areas that still need so much work. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of all those touched by cancer. CCA, in partnership with other committed groups and organizations, will work to:
- Spread awareness
- Remove barriers to screening
- Get additional funding for the fight against colorectal cancer
- Secure additional funding for colorectal cancer research
- Ensure CCA representation on appropriate scientific panels
- Support the expansion of clinical trials and facilitate recruitment of trial participants
- Increase coverage by Medicare and private insurers of science-based colorectal cancer treatments as well as screening, diagnostic and surveillance procedures
As advocates, we will change the reality of colorectal cancer.
Becoming Involved
When planning your advocacy activities, keep in mind that Congressional members are flooded with requests for support. If you want your request to stand out, here are some suggestions:
- Get the word out – Send letters to the editor supporting specific legislation, and ask others to write their legislators. Write your local media and columnists. Tell them that colorectal cancer is a story that needs coverage (and if they need information about it, refer them to CCA). Tell them that they can help save lives.
- Be credible and constructive – Use solid facts. Write from your personal experience. Describe the problem. Suggest a specific solution. Be brief and polite.
- Tell your story, briefly – Put a face to colorectal cancer. It's one thing to say that 149,250 Americans will be diagnosed this year. It's another to say, "I have colorectal cancer that has spread, and statistically, I am likely to die. If I had been screened at age 50, this probably wouldn't have happened."
- Be specific – A request to do "something" about colorectal cancer will get a yawn. A request to support something specific – a specific bill, a specific funding request, specific language – tells your representative what you want from him/her.
- Ask for a response – "I'd like to know if you decide to support my request." Don't be surprised if you don't get a response – this gives you a good reason to follow up with a phone call.
How To Contact Your Representatives
You can write, email, telephone or fax. For the best result, do all four! You can also make an appointment to see your representative or the appropriate staff person, in Washington, DC or at the district office. District appointments with a representative may be possible during Congressional recesses.
Share Your Story with Us
CCA would like to hear from you if you were denied insurance coverage for screening. We will collect these stories and use them to show congress how important this issue is.
(202) 434-8980
info@ccalliance.org
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Legislation
Action Alerts
The Colon Cancer Alliance is involved with a variety of issues at the state and national level. We are committed to keeping our members informed of all opportunities to be an advocate. Please check back here on a regular basis for information on current legislation and policies that affect colon cancer funding, research and awareness.
Hearing on h.Con.Res 302
Bill calling for the designation of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Resolution also promotes early detection through regular colorectal screening and it urges health practitioners to increase awareness about colorectal cancer. Watch the hearing
Past Legislation
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
In November 1999, the Senate passed legislation declaring March 2000 as the first ever National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. CCA's grassroots — each and every one of us — were a key piece of that effort.
National Cancer Institute Funding
Since its inception six years ago, OVAC (One Voice Against Cancer) has become an active and effective lobbying force on Capitol Hill. Because of our hard work as a coalition and as individual groups, we have seen the National Cancer Institute budget grow by more than $1 billion in the last four years, and we have seen large increases in National Institutes of Health funding. Carrying the OVAC message to Congress has ensured that legislators focus on the importance of research to all of those touched by cancer.
But our work has not stopped there. OVAC has also delivered the message that real progress is made when important research advances are translated into programs, screenings and treatments that apply to the whole population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conduct a number of programs that focus on education, outreach, and screening for cancer, so that the work done at the NIH and NCI reaches real Americans and ensures that we all benefit from this important investment.
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Legislative Report Card
Unfortunately, there is no federal legislation requiring insurance providers to cover the cost of preventative screenings, leaving many people uncertain whether or not these screenings are covered by their insurance providers. In recent years, a few number of states have adopted preventative screening legislation for colorectal cancer.
The 2008 Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card addresses the fact that 26 states still earn D's or F's on Legislation Report Card. Use the Report Card to find out if your state has passed preventative screening legislation. Share it with your doctors, friends and urge your elected officials to champion this cause.
Use your voice to make sure your state receives an "A" next year!
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©2008 Colon Cancer Alliance
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