In 2000, the Prevent Cancer Foundation led the charge for the very first designation of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by the White House and both houses of Congress.
More than 20 years later, the important work of reducing colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths continues. We are grateful that President Biden recognizes the importance of raising awareness of this disease and officially designated March 2021 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
He also took the opportunity to remind Americans to get all routine medical appointments and cancer screenings Back on the Books.
“I know how hard it is right now to be mindful of preventive care,” he wrote. “The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted so many parts of our lives, including, for far too many, the routine checkups and screenings that are so vital to guarding against disease. I urge every American to take the precautions they need in order to stay vigilant against cancer—don’t delay your recommended screenings, doctor’s visits, and treatments. You and your healthcare provider can discuss how to balance the risks and benefits of cancer screening, taking into account medical history, family history, other risk factors, and the time between screenings.”
Biden’s words echo what we at the Foundation have confirmed through our benchmark surveys—people are continuing to postpone, cancel and miss their routine cancer screenings for fear of being exposed to the coronavirus. While the concern is understandable, missing appointments can increase your risk for other serious health issues, including preventable cancers.
Talk to your doctor. Visit Back on the Books to learn more about what safety precautions are in place, what questions to ask your doctor, and even what screenings you should be scheduling based on your age. It’s time to take charge of your health and get your routine screenings back on the books today.
No Comments