Celebrating a Superhero with Support for Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Boseman’s death illustrates the rise of colorectal cancer in adults under 50. There are however several highly effective screening options to detect colorectal cancer early, unfortunately, insurance coverage for those tests is often not available to people under the age of 50.
In 2018, the American Cancer Society dropped the recommended age for routine colorectal screening to age 45. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation remains at age 50 and insurers follow that recommendation. We need the USPSTF to lower its recommendation for screening to age 45 so that millions of Americans will have access to screening that they need. While this change would not have prevented Boseman's cancer, it is a step in the right direction to prevent more cancer cases and/or detect them early.
You don’t have to be a superhero to save thousands of lives. Sign this petition to support the Prevent Cancer Foundation in asking the USPSTF to change their recommendation so people can start routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
Meet the LAN Social Work Intern
The Legislative Action Network (LAN) is thrilled to welcome its newest member, social work intern Victoria “Tori” Baggio. Tori joined Dana-Farber this month as the inaugural intern for a new hybrid internship where she will work with the LAN as well as the adult and pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC).
Tori graduated from Providence College in May of this year with a bachelor’s degree in social work and is now attending Boston University and pursing a master’s degree in social work (MSW). Tori brings experience having worked in hospitals and in the Department of Health in Rhode Island and is a passionate advocate for health policy and equity; especially as it pertains to cancer care. Tori also has experience conducting legislative advocacy, clinical assessments, and research on cancer care and health disparities and is excited to continue this work at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Some fun facts about Tori
- Tori is professionally proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish
- She hails from a very big Italian family who makes their own tomato sauce at the end of every summer
- She studied in Seville, Spain for a semester in college
- She loves theater
Conclusion of the Census
There are only seven days left to respond to the 2020 Census.
The Census represents a once in a decade opportunity to ensure the equitable distribution of over $1 trillion in federal funds and representation in the United States Congress. Responding to the 2020 Census is constitutionally mandated for everyone living in the United States.
When we ensure that we are all counted in the Census, we make an important contribution to the future of our communities. Now more than ever, our communities are going to need federal funds to aid in long term COVID-19 recovery efforts and the Census count will help determine the distribution of those funds.
Accurate Census data is also critically important to Dana-Farber’s mission. It determines how much federal funding is allocated to programs our patients and families rely on, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Accurate Census population data is also critical to the medical research conducted at Dana-Farber and cancer research across the country.
Wednesday September 30th is the final day to complete the 2020 Census. Completing the Census is quick and easy and can be done right now by clicking here.
During these challenging times it can be easy to overlook something like the Census, but it only takes minutes to complete and has impacts that will last for a decade.
If you have questions about completing the 2020 Census please contact: advocacy@dfci.harvard.edu
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