Champions of Change

Surely everyone is aware of the impact that cancer has had on too many Delawareans. We all have family members and friends who have struggled with the disease. Currently, Delaware has a higher death rate due to cancer than many other states, and the burden of this disease is felt substantially more in our African-American and Hispanic communities.

As Lt. Governor, chair of the Delaware Healthcare Commission, and member of the Cancer Consortium, I am working hard to address this problem. With your help, we can reduce the number of colorectal cancer deaths in Delaware. If detected early, colon cancer is 90% curable. With regular screenings, over half of the cases can be prevented.

With these goals in mind, the Cancer Consortium has created a grassroots program called Champions of Change to increase the number of colorectal screenings and decrease the high mortality rate among communities most adversely affected. The Champions of Change program includes an information kit containing posters, pledge cards, handouts, and a binder full of suggestions and resources to help participants encourage community members over the age of 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer.

The program is also aimed at helping the uninsured or underinsured get tested for colorectal cancer. Those who qualify may be screened through Delaware's Screening for Life Program. Eligible patients will be enrolled for a free screening and receive information on how to schedule an appointment with a participating healthcare provider.

For more information, or a Champions of Change toolkit and button, please feel free to contact my office: (302) 577-8787.