Health Reform-Colorectal Cancer Video Message

07/24/98 15:07 301 652 7159 AGA +++ NATL ECONOMIC CO 5 005 Video Message from Hillary Rodham Clinton to Primary Care Clinicians I would like to speak to you today about a major health issue that should concern all Americans over the age of 50. This is the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer strikes over 140,000 men and women in the United States each year and causes over 56,000 deaths, making it the second most common cancer killer. Even more alarming, colorectal cancer is often a silent disease that can exist for a long time without producing symptoms. The good news is that most of the pain, suffering and death caused by this malignancy can be prevented by simple but effective screening tests. Current surveys show, however, that only about 15 to 20 percent of primary care physicians and nurse clinicians are recommending these screening tests for their patients. I find this alarming. It is tragic that this disease causes so much personal pain and loss of life when it is actually one of the most curable, or even preventable, forms of cancer, as long as the disease is detected early. But we must work harder to educate those at risk. For example, I have learned that, although colorectal cancer is the only major cancer that affects men and women almost equally, many women mistakenly believe that it is a man's disease. In fact, women, as they grow older, need to be as concerned about screening for colorectal cancer as they are about screening for breast and cervical cancer. Another tragic statistic is that, although the disease strikes all racial groups in this country almost equally, African-Americans have poorer survival, according to our National Cancer Institute. This appears to be due in part to decreased access to health care in many areas of the United States. I strongly urge all primary care physicians, nurses and physician assistants to encourage your patients over the age of 50 to be screened. The tests, as recommended by a consortium of gastroenterological societies, as well as the American Cancer Society, are simple and safe. Their widespread use could reduce the death rate from this cancer by more than 50 percent. Experience has shown that one of the most effective ways of improving patient compliance with screening is to have the tests recommended by their personal clinician. As of January 1st, 1998, Medicare covers colorectal cancer screening tests for all of its patients. I also encourage other health care payers to provide these lifesaving services for all at-risk citizens over the age of 50. We must all work together to educate people about this disease that can strike them at a time in their lives when they should be enjoying their most productive and satisfying years. Thank you.