March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, is almost over, but it is not too late to follow through with that important commitment to yourself to make an appointment for a life-saving screening.

In 2007, an estimated 153,760 cases of colorectal cancer in the U.S. were diagnosed and it is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. today. It is also one of the most preventable. The real tragedy is that many of these cancer cases and cancer deaths occur needlessly, as they could be prevented if more people took advantage of colon cancer screening.

Men and women are at equal risk for this type of cancer. Screenings for colorectal cancer are recommended for anyone who is over the age of 50. If you are under 50 but have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer you should start screening at a younger age and need to consult your health care provider about this.

Can’t afford it? Fortunately, our governor and the Wyoming Legislature have made a colorectal cancer screening program available for those who can’t afford one. Call the Wyoming Department of Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at 866-205-5295 to see if you qualify for a free screening or visit www.Fight CancerWY.com for an application.

This program is available to Wyoming citizens who meet the financial qualifications.

We at the American Cancer Society encourage you to call your health care provider today for an appointment. Encourage your friends and family members to get screened, too.

Screenings can make a difference. Screening can save health care costs and can save lives.

Loretta Wolf,

Wyoming Government Relations Director,

American Cancer Society

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