Mar. 23, 2016

HARRISBURG – Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) was joined by Rep. Maria Donatucci (D-Delaware/Philadelphia) at a press conference today to emphasize the importance of colon cancer screening and awareness.

Boback introduced House Resolution 760 designating March 31, 2016, as C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day and Donatucci introduced House Resolution 709 designating March 2016 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

The CA.S.U.A.L. Movement was created by the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in memory of Helen Phillips, who died from colon cancer in 2002. The event takes place each year at the end of March - Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. On March 31, hundreds of businesses and organizations in Northeast Pennsylvania will dress C.A.S.U.A.L. while wearing a specifically designed pin and/or custom T-shirt to promote awareness about colon cancer.

“Colon cancer is a preventable disease that affects a great number of Northeast Pennsylvanians. C.A.S.U.A.L. Day is a great model that provides thousands of people the opportunity to do their part to raise awareness about colon cancer and educate others. I am grateful for the work of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute and I am hopeful that other groups will implement C.A.S.U.A.L. Day in their communities,” said Boback.

Colon and rectal cancers are one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in areas of Northeast Pennsylvania with incidence rates about 16 percent higher and mortality rates 8 percent above the U.S. average. Nearly 550 new cases are diagnosed, and almost 200 patients die from colon cancer each year in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties combined.

“Unfortunately, I know how devastating colorectal cancer can be as I lost my father to the disease in 1998. It’s still the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. But we need to remember that early detection and treatment are key in fighting and ultimately overcoming this disease. That’s why I’m proud to support any efforts to raise awareness about the illness, and have introduced House Resolution 709, which recognizes March 2016 as ‘National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania. Thanks to my colleagues, and especially to Rep. Boback, we can let Pennsylvanians struggling with this disease know they’re not alone in their fight,” said Donatucci.

Karen Saunders, president of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, also offered remarks at the event.

The press conference may be viewed at RepBoback.com.

Representative Karen Boback
117th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
RepBoback.com / Facebook.com/RepBoback / RepBoback.com/PressPhotos
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