(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The American Cancer Society is urging state lawmakers to make screening for colorectal cancer a top priority in this year's new state budget.
Right now, the state of Illinois appropriates about $2 million annually for lung and colorectal cancer screenings. This can help people detect and get treatment for the diseases early.
However, Ally Lopshire, an official with the American Cancer Society's Action Network said the organization is asking for legislators to establish separate funding for lung and colorectal cancer detection, partly in hopes of growing the appropriations.
“Get these funds, you know, separated out, establish these streams that are solely dedicated to these separate types of cancer so that as we learn more and the needs of the community grow, we can adjust. If we need to increase more to one, that we evaluate on a year to year basis.”
In all cases early detection can save lives. colorectal treatments are more effective and less expensive then. Lawmakers, she said, are receptive.
Lopshire said colorectal cancer is one of few types of cancer that can be prevented through screenings.
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