March: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

At its March 19, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor city council passed a resolution declaring March as colorectal cancer awareness month.

The resolution notes that while 51,690 people in the U.S. are expected to die of colorectal cancers in 2012, early detection could save more than half. Currently, the resolution continues, only 39% of colorectal cancer patients have their cancers detected at an early stage. The resolution also notes that if the majority of people in the U.S. age 50 or older were screened regularly for colorectal cancer, the death rate from colorectal cancer could drop by up to 70%.

The resolution was sponsored by Marcia Higgins (Ward 4), Margie Teall (Ward 4) and Sandi Smith (Ward 1).

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]