Private MD News

Group pushing for colon cancer legislation

Category: Colon

As National Colon Cancer Awareness month begins to close, one New Hampshire group is urging lawmakers to approve legislation that would help more people get a lab test for early detection of the disease.

Colorectal Cancer Coalition was recently in Washington DC to talk about the benefits of getting a colon cancer test and how catching the disease early can be life saving, the Nashua Telegraph reports.
However, the group didn't have to entirely rely on words or actions to get their point across. They had living proof.

Patti Laliberte was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007, which was early enough for her to undergo surgery and chemo-therapy to combat the disease, according to the article. Now the 54-year-old nurse can return to some of her favorite hobbies such as hiking, running and biking.

She has also taken up the cause to raise awareness about the disease through her story and the hopeful legislation in Congress.

"After the cancer experience a year or so ago, I've been trying to find my voice," Laliberte told the news provider. "I really think that this is it. You feel like you can really make a difference."