Colorectal Cancer is a Legislative Issue

On March 9, 2011 colorectal cancer survivors, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, C4 Board Members, American Cancer Society Legislative Ambassadors, and other dedicated advocates gathered at the State Capitol for C4's 3rd Lobby Day event. Participants received the latest colorectal cancer statistics from the California Cancer Registry, and heard from medical and public health experts about screening and best ways to approach legislators. Senator Darrell Steinberg addressed the group, as did Assembly Member Fiona Ma, who authored Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 23, the state resolution  that declared March 2011 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in California.

Later in the day, participants met with their legislators to bring information on how colorectal cancer screening saves lives and evidence on the cost-effectiveness of FIT (fecal immunochemical test) testing for broad-based general population screening. Every legislator was presented with a customized packet of information that included a fact sheet with the number of colorectal cancer cases and deaths in their specific legislative district.
Participants reported strong interest from legislators in colorectal cancer screening and support for ACS 23.

Lobby Day is an annual C4 event designed to increase awareness of colorectal cancer screening, generate legislative interest in future legislation, and establish C4 as a trusted resource for colorectal cancer information. Lobby Day Chair Jennie Cook announced that plans are underway for Lobby Day 2012. Details and registration will be available in early 2012. Please join us!