Cancer's 2nd Leading Killer Is Preventable Youth'n® your life, schedule a screen Dr. David J. Demko, gerontologist and editor, AgeVenture News Service, Boca Raton, Florida

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has launched a multi-year "Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign" to inform men and women aged 50 years or older about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests. Screening tests can find precancerous growths so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer, thus preventing the disease. However, screening rates are low and more than 60 percent of adults aged 50 or older—the age group at greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer—have not been screened appropriately. To increase screening rates, Screen for Life: promotes awareness among 50-plus adults that colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer. increases awareness of the benefits of being screened for colorectal cancer. motivates patients to talk to their doctor and get screened for colorectal cancer. broadcasts television and radio public service announcements (PSAs). explains that many insurance plans, including Medicare, help pay for colorectal cancer screening. both men and women are at risk. PSAs created by CDC with NCCRA feature Katie Couric, co-founder of the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA). The PSAs, created by CDC in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) also include celebrities Diane Keaton, Morgan Freeman, and Jimmy Smits. And in new posters and print ads, Katie Couric asks, "Are you the picture of health?" She says, "Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer. But it doesn’t have to be." She goes on to urge that if you are 50 or older, make sure you are the picture of health, by getting screened for colorectal cancer. Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/screenforlife Youth'n® is a registered trademark of Demko Publishing, Boca Raton, Florida.

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