Colorectal cancer is a cancer resulting from uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum. It is estimated that about 5% of our population will acquire colorectal cancer at some point in their lives. Nearly 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year and more than 53,000 people annually die from this disease, making colorectal cancer the second deadliest form of cancer after lung cancer. Colon cancer usually strikes men and women who are over 50 years old but most people are in their early 70’s when diagnosed. However, recent studies now show the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in young adults and falling among those who are older. By 2030, if this trend continues, the incidence of colorectal cancer will double among people between 20 and 34 years old, and will grow by 28% to 46% for people ages 35 to 49.

Diets that are high in fats and low in fiber are believed to increase the risk of acquiring colon cancer. Eating red and processed meats are not recommended. Exercise and diets high in vegetables are believed to reduce the risk of this disease. Fortunately, due to early detection and improved treatments, the colorectal cancer death rates for both men and women have been falling for the past 25 years. As a result, there are now more than a million American survivors of this disease.

Proposed Legislation: H.R.1570 - Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2019
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Donald Payne (NJ)