Dr. Indran Krishnan and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal

Indran Krishnan, MD, FRCP (London), FRCP(C), FACP, FACG is fighting colorectal cancer on many fronts. As a gastroenterologist, he personally screens people every week. As an associate professor at Emory University, he trains the next generation of physicians. As an advocate, he serves on Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Board of Directors, and was a founding member of the Georgia Colon Cancer Coalition. In the first 4 months of 2012, Indran stepped up his efforts by:

• Meeting with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and members of the Georgia legislature to introduce them to Fight Colorectal Cancer and spread the word about screening;
• Attending this year’s Call-on Congress, our annual advocacy training and lobby day;

• Participating in a CVS Caremark webinar to speak about colorectal cancer awareness and the role of pharmacists as advocates for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer;
• Providing the keynote speech at a “Closing Out March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” ceremony sponsored by Given Imaging; and
• Answering questions about screening via Talk About Health. We thought you might enjoy reading Indran’s responses:

1. At the time of colon cancer screening what questions should a patient ask a physician?
2. Would you share what colon cancer screening is and what it entails?
3. How is it determined if someone is at high risk for colon cancer?
4. If my primary care physician suspects colon cancer, what are the next steps?
5. Is there any link between IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and colon cancer?
6. Are there any new promising treatments or medications for men with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?
7. How do you decide what colon cancer screening option should be used for a particular patient?
8. If polyps are found during a colonoscopy, should I be worried? What are the next steps?

Lesa Fontaine with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal

Since President Clinton issued the first Presidential Proclamation recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month over a decade ago, each year in March advocates request that their state and city officials issue proclamations acknowledging March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

This year was no different – except for the fact that we had more states and cities than ever proclaim March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it was all thanks to Fight Colorectal Cancer advocates.

Seventeen states and four cities and counties issued proclamations – and each one was accomplished because at least one advocate stepped forward and took the lead.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank every person who pushed for a proclamation this year. They are:

2012 STATE PROCLAMATIONS 

• Alabama – Thanks to advocate Lisa Borden!
• Arizona – Thanks to advocates Liz Dennis!
• Georgia – Thanks to advocate Lesa Fontaine (pictured above)!
• Idaho – Thanks to advocate Frank Luzzo!
• Illinois - Thanks to advocate Jennifer Olson!
• Iowa – Thanks to advocate Jeanna Jones!
• Massachusetts - Thanks to advocates Amy Robert and Evelyn Reyes!
• Minnesota - Thanks to advocate Kathryn Finn-Blume!
• Missouri - Thanks to advocate Ginny Goddard!
• New Jersey - Thanks to advocate David Dubin!
• North Carolina – Thanks to advocate John Lloyd!
• Ohio – Thanks to advocate Rene Elefteriou! 
• Pennsylvania – Thanks to advocate Patti Hollenback!
• South Carolina - Thanks to advocate Jo-Ellen DeLuca!
• Texas - Thanks to advocate Brienne Fisher!
• Virginia - Thanks to advocate Cindy Robinson!
• West Virginia - Thanks to advocate Pam Seijo!

2012 CITY/COUNTY PROCLAMATIONS

• Cincinnati, Ohio – Thanks to advocate Ed Murphy!
• Davis, California – Thanks to advocates Barbara and Doug Wilson!
• DeKalb County, Georgia – Thanks to advocate Lesa Fontaine (seen here with the County Commissioners)
• Gadsden, Alabama – Thanks to advocate Lisa Borden!

If your state or city is not listed above, plan to make a request in mid-winter 2013!

We ring the bell to bring attention that colorectal cancer is the number two cancer killer in America. We need awareness that colorectal cancer can be prevented, treated, and beaten. We are issuing a call to action to increase funding for research, better access to colorectal screening, and the very best treatment for every American who is diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer.

On stage with Carlea was: Ben Basloe, Todd Jones, Josh Young, Rose Hausmann, Joanne Kimmel, Dana Rye, Katelyn Sherry and David Dubin.

We need you to continue to add your voice and urge your Representative to support H.R. 4120! Simply submit an Action Alert.

H.R. 4120, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012, will fix a regulation that requires Medicare beneficiaries to pay coinsurance when their screening colonoscopy involves the removal of a polyp. The current policy can cost patients $100 to $300 and serve as a deterrent to screening.

We need cosponsors for this legislation if it is to pass into law & YOU can help!

Extensive research has shown that diet and physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of tumor recurrence. Recently, the American Cancer Society issued new Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.

But what does that mean for patients making day to day lifestyle choices? Find out in this webinar.

Add this "twibute" to your Twitter background!

We would love to continue spreading awareness, so for those of you interested in showing your virtual support, you can still add the Twibbon to your Twitter avatar and/or add the Twibbon to your Facebook profile picture.

You can even go a step beyond and change your background to the 250-Person Twibute during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – a collage of all of you who have joined in this important cause. This is a great, easy way to get your friends and followers talking more about colorectal cancer and why there is such a need for funding for prevention and treatment research.

A big thank you to all those who have added a Twibbon so far – we appreciate all of your support in getting the word out!

Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News Medical Editor, led a Twitter chat on colorectal cancer. The one hour session easily spilled over and has generated an overwhelming number of conversations and a ton of informative feedback. There was a lot of good information shared from a number of organizations and individuals and we urge you to jump on board.

Fight Colorectal Cancer was a strong participant during the #abcDrBchat and at one point ranked in the top ten of contributors. To follow the action and see what you missed CLICK HERE for all the action. If you are new to Twitter, there is quite a conversation happening in the Tweet Universe.

You can follow Dr Besser at Twitter.com/DrRichardBesser and Fight CRC at twitter.com/FightCRC

Fight Colorectal Cancer advocates from around the country took the fight against the disease to Capitol Hill Wednesday to ask lawmakers for their support for legislation that will fund cancer research and screening programs.

Advocates held more than 85 meetings on Capitol Hill, capping two days of training sessions during Fight Colorectal Cancer’s 6th annual Call-on Congress Conference, held March 5 – 7. Sessions held by cancer experts, researchers and Fight Colorectal Cancer staff armed advocates with statistics, talking points and information about key legislation to combat colorectal cancer.  More than 60 advocates, who traveled from 22 states, participated in the conference and were encouraged to share their personal stories of battling the disease.

Liz Dennis, a survivor of stage III colorectal cancer, traveled to Washington, DC, from Arizona to share her personal story about colorectal cancer, and to ask her lawmakers to commit to funding for screening programs and research so that fewer people have the same experience. “I never want to go through that battle again,” she said. “And I have lost too many friends to this disease. I am here because I am determined to see a cure for colorectal cancer in my lifetime.”

Representative Charlie Dent

Fight Colorectal Cancer also spotlighted advocates who have advanced progress and stood on the front lines of the fight against the disease.

Surrounded by cancer patients, survivors and family members, Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15) was recognized as Fight Colorectal Cancer’s 2012 Congressional Champion.  Fight Colorectal Cancer Board Chair Nancy Roach, President Carlea Bauman and Pennsylvania’s 15th district resident Mary Diacont presented Rep. Dent with the award. Mary lost her daughter to colorectal cancer when she was just 18 years old.

Rep. Dent has championed two key pieces of colorectal cancer legislation, including the Fight Colorectal Cancer Stamp Act (H.R. 893) and the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012 (H.R. 4120).

“Fight Colorectal Cancer is grateful to have an ally in Rep. Dent who recognizes that a strong public-private partnership is critical to combat this preventable disease, which kills 50,000 Americans every year,” said Fight Colorectal Cancer President Carlea Bauman.

Pam Seijo

Fight Colorectal Cancer also awarded cancer survivor Pam Seijo, of West Virginia, with the Volunteer Advocate Award to honor her commitment as a mentor and an advocate. Pam, an 11-year survivor, has attended every Call-on Congress since the inaugural event in 2007. She has also served as the chair of Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Grassroots Action Committee and has mentored countless patients and family members into becoming passionate advocates for the cause. She has been involved in colorectal cancer advocacy for so long that she and her elected officials are on a first-name basis.

Pat Steer

Pat Steer from central New York was awarded the Andrew Giusti Memorial Award. The award is given out annually in memory of Andy Giusti, a former Board member, scientist and colorectal cancer patient to honor advocates who work in the research environment “for activism on behalf of colorectal cancer patients and for focusing, like Andy did, on pushing for great science that will translate to patient benefit as quickly as possible.” Pat, a stage IV survivor, was a consumer reviewer for the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program in 2011 (CDMRP). The CDMRP funds research for colorectal cancer, among other cancers.

Fight Colorectal Cancer’s annual Call-on Congress Conference brings together renowned cancer researchers, experts and federal agencies to discuss emerging research and treatment and the political landscape for colorectal cancer legislation.

As the conference ends, advocates said the training sessions and seminars have given them tools to return home, inspired and empowered to continue fighting colorectal cancer.

Erica and Ethan Lee of Sacramento, Calif., participate in Call-on Congress training sessions.

Training sessions with Fight Colorectal Cancer staff gave advocates a real world view of the policy and legislative landscape for colorectal cancer. They were given information about key legislation, statistics and talking points for their meetings with lawmakers that will occur on Wednesday.

“It’s so exciting to be here in Washington and on Capitol Hill to see how it all works,” said Erica Lee, an advocate from California who is attending the conference. “It’s easy to complain about ‘politicians in Washington, DC,’ but here I’m part of the solution.” Erica recently lost her mother, Diane, to colorectal cancer.

Advocates can also access a virtual toolbox of outreach strategies, via the Fight Colorectal Cancer website under the Policy and Advocacy tab. Anyone interested in proposed legislation that Fight Colorectal Cancer supports can also find information in the Action Center.

Speakers included Dr. Jon Chung, a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences. He is also Fight Colorectal Cancer’s 2011 Lisa Fund Research Grant recipient. Dr. Chung addressed the challenges young researchers have in getting their work funded as research budgets shrink, and the threat it poses to emerging research and drug development.

His remarks were followed by Dr. John Marshall, the clinical director of oncology at Georgetown University Hospital and a global leader in the research and development of drugs for colon cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. In a difficult budget climate, Dr. Marshall addressed the challenges to sustain adequate levels of funding for cancer research programs.

At the end of their training, advocates received their Capitol Hill meeting schedules, and the groups that were assigned to attend meetings together rehearsed their talking points.

“I’m nervous, I’m excited. I can’t wait for tomorrow to get here. On the other hand, I’m glad I have some time to let all this information sink in,” said Erica. “It’s been a long day, but invigorating.”

Follow updates from Call-on Congress at FightColorectalCancer.org, Facebook, and Twitter (hashtag #ConC2012).

Washington, DC – Fight Colorectal Cancer hosts their 6th Annual Call-on Congress beginning today, in Washington, DC.

More than 60 advocates, including colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers, physicians and researchers, are gathering in the nation’s capital this week to hear from experts about current research and cancer control programs and to take part in advocacy activities on Capitol Hill.

“Our volunteers are activists who are bringing the fight against colorectal cancer to Washington to get more attention and more funding for this disease,” said Fight Colorectal Cancer President Carlea Bauman. “By speaking up and demanding change, they are making a difference in the fight against colorectal cancer.”

Advocates arrive in Washington today for the start of Call-on Congress

Tomorrow, advocates will receive training on how to have effective meetings with their legislators. On Wednesday, March 7th, the advocates will participate in more than 80 meetings in Congress to ask for support for the following pieces of legislation:

• Medicare Cost Sharing for Screening Colonoscopy.  This legislation will amend current law to waive coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy by correcting the coinsurance gap that exists under current Medicare policy.  Although colorectal cancer screening is covered by Medicare, beneficiaries may still be liable for coinsurance  if a polyp is detected and removed, because the screening can be reclassified as a diagnostic procedure.

Fight Colorectal Cancer asks Congress to support legislation that waives coinsurance for screening colonoscopy that also involves removal of polyps during the same encounter.

• Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Colorectal Cancer Control Program. Currently the program provides funding to 25 states and four tribal organizations for colorectal cancer screening targeted at low-income men and women, aged 50-64,who are uninsured or underinsured.  The CDC has set a goal in 2012 of screening 66 percent of adults aged 50-75 and a long-term screening goal of 88 percent by the year 2020.  Reaching these goals requires a commitment from Congress.

Fight Colorectal Cancer asks Congress to fund the Colorectal Cancer Control program at $70 million in the next fiscal year, which will allow the program to be expanded nationally. 

• Funding for Colorectal Cancer Research.  Advocates will ask members of Congress to demonstrate their commitment to colorectal cancer research by taking two important actions:

Support an increase in funding to the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP). Funding for the PRCRP was cut 29 percent  last year.

Fight Colorectal Cancer asks Congress to provide $16 million in FY 2013 for the PRCRP to restore funding to FY 2011 levels.

Support increased funding for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI is one of 27 institutes at the National Institutes of Health and leads a national effort to eliminate the suffering and death from cancer.

Fight Colorectal Cancer asks Congress to fund the NIH at $32.7 billion in FY2013, which will provide NCI with $5.36 billion in funding.

Follow updates from Call-on Congress at FightColorectalCancer.org, Facebook, and Twitter (hashtag #ConC2012).

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