You may not be able to travel to DC in March to participate in the 2010 Call-on Congress, but this is your chance to meet with your representatives and talk with them about the importance of increasing federal funding for cancer research.

We currently have meetings scheduled with House Budget Committee Ranking Member Paul Ryan in Kenosha, WI on February 11, with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Las Vegas, NV on February 16, and with House Republican Leader John Boehner in West Chester, OH on February 23.  And, we are in the process of confirming additional meetings.

If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact Catherine Knowles at Catherine.Knowles@FightCRC.org, and we will get you all the details and background information that you need.

The President’s budget for FY2011, includes some funding increases for cancer research at NIH and NCI but it also proposes reductions in funding for cancer control programs at the CDC.  Read more about funding for cancer research and control programs in the President’s FY2011 budget.

As Congress begins the FY2011 budget process, it is important that we remind Members about the importance of federal funding for cancer research and cancer control programs.  If you are able, I hope you will attend a meeting with your representative over the President’s Day District Work Period.

Dr. Brawley points out that randomized clinical trials have shown the CTC option as effective as traditional optical colonoscopy in finding early cancers and precancerous polyps.  He also concerned that there is not a sufficient supply of trained specialists providing colonoscopy to meet the need for screening and that new options are needed.

The American Cancer Society believes, Brawley says, that a full battery of testing for colorectal cancer screening should be available, particularly to the Medicare population who are at higher risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer.

Dr. Brawley’s statement:

I am disappointed in this decision, as randomized clinical trials clearly show CT colonography (CTC) is as effective as optical colonoscopy for the early detection of early cancers and pre-malignant lesions. Medicare coverage for CTC, also known as virtual colonoscopy, would have provided an additional option for colorectal cancer screening. Additional options are absolutely necessary as the supply of gastroenterologists and other trained specialists is currently inadequate to supply optical colonoscopy to all of those who need it, and many people are unwilling to undergo colonoscopy or other currently reimbursed tests. It is our belief that by increasing the proportion of Americans 50 and over who get colorectal cancer screening, we could increase the number of lives saved from this devastating disease and decrease long term medical costs. Providing access to all proven screening options is even more important for those in the Medicare population, most of whom are at even greater risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer due to their advanced age. The American Cancer Society still believes that a battery of different tests for colorectal cancer screening should be available to the American people. This includes optical colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, stool blood testing, as well as sigmoidoscopy.

The ACS recommends that people with cancer:

• Avoid large crowds, people with fever, flu or infection, and small children who go to schools or daycare.
• Wash their hands often or use a santizing gel.
• Cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze with a tissue and throw it away.
• Avoid touching their eyes, noses, or mouths.
• Talk to their doctors about risk of infection and possible use of Tamiflu or Relenza.

The Maine Attorney General spoke as well as aides for both of our Senators and our Congressman.  A local oncologist was also there supporting the effort.

I met and gave thanks to the bus driver.  He is the only one driving this bus all over 48 states.  As I shook his hand I felt the tears in my eyes, the emotion of gratitude for the difference he is making for so many people. I told him I was a cancer survivor; he smiled and said “You are very welcome.”

Still feeling emotional I went towards the bus and was amazed at what I saw.  Thousands of messages of hope, names of missed loved ones, promises of never giving up the fight for a cure and even some messages of anger.  There was barely any room left to sign. I had to take whatever little space I had though, even if I had to climb a ladder to reach.

It made me so happy to see how many allies I have in this fight.  I am so proud to be an advocate and know that with each passing day our voices are heard a little louder.