President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump marked the start of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging all Americans to learn about their colorectal cancer risk factors, helpful prevention methods, and the recommended guidelines for effective screening and early detection before the disease becomes difficult to treat.

“By knowing one’s family history, regularly talking to a doctor, and taking action to improve one’s diet and daily activity, every American can reduce his or her risk of developing this terrible disease,” President Trump said in a March 1 statement.

The President and First Lady also reaffirmed the Nation’s commitment to making the world free from cancer in memory of all those who are battling colon and rectal cancer, as well as the friends, family members, and loved ones we have lost to these diseases.

In 2017 alone there were more than 135,000 new diagnoses and about 50,000 people in the United States who lost their lives to colorectal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 22 for men, and 1 in 24 for women.

“My Administration is working closely with Congress to ensure that the 21st Century Cures Act paves the way for new immunotherapy approaches, precision medicine, and other treatments that are more effective and comfortable for patients,” President Trump said in the statement. “Our efforts are ensuring that new cancer therapies, including the first ever gene therapies recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, can reach the market quickly, while ensuring patient safety.  Thanks to improved treatment and prevention measures, there are now more than 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States.”

“As we pray for those battling colorectal cancer and the families who have lost loved ones, we are reminded of the steps we can all take to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer,” said President Trump.  “Our Nation stands behind every American battling a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and we thank the researchers, doctors, and other professionals who are working to improve the quality of life and outcomes for all cancer patients.  With each medical breakthrough and every new survivor, we are getting even closer to a future free from the fear and threat of cancer.” – Source: The White House