On the recordMarch 6, 2018
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death for men and women combined. It is a silent killer because the disease often has no signs or symptoms. Each year, more than 50,000 Americans die from colorectal cancer even though it is mostly preventable and treatable if caught early. Six years ago today, my father, the late Congressman Donald Payne, died from colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening just wasn't something people of his generation did. Mr. Speaker, my father might have lived had he gotten tested for colorectal cancer. That is why each year I sponsor a resolution to recognize March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about the disease and the need for screening. By educating people, increasing research funding, and making Medicare coverage better for seniors, we can save tens of thousands of lives each year. I would rather not have to make this 1-minute speech every year, to have my father still be a Member of Congress from the 10th Congressional District. ____________________
