(Date)

Dear Editor:

I find it tragic that 52,180 people will die this year from a disease that is so highly preventable - colorectal cancer. It is the cancer that nobody wants to talk about, despite the fact that half those lives could be saved if men and women would simply get screened. March 2007 marks the eighth annual National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It is a much-needed opportunity for our country to educate itself about colorectal cancer and to encourage people to learn more about how to reduce their risk of the disease through a healthy lifestyle and regular screenings.

Few Americans know how preventable colorectal cancer really is. That is why the Colon Cancer Alliance, along with 50 other national organizations, has committed to becoming a National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month collaborating partner. The Colon Cancer Alliance brings the voice of colorectal cancer survivors to shine a much-needed spotlight on this little talked about disease. Regular screening starting at age 50, or younger for people at higher risk, can help prevent the disease by detecting precancerous polyps, as well as detecting any cancer in the earliest, most curable stages. Talk to your doctor and visit the March Awareness Section of the Colon Cancer Alliance website at www.CCAlliance.org/march for more information. National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to break down the barriers of embarrassment and ignorance and prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths. Talk with your doctor about screening today - it could save your life.

Sincerely,

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