Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined in our country – a fact that’s difficult to accept given that it’s one of a limited number of cancers that can be prevented through screening.

ACS CAN and Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) teamed up today on Capitol Hill to draw attention to colorectal cancer and the role public policy plays in helping reduce the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

I'm delighted that NASCAR driver Scott Lagasse Jr has agreed to share his personal cancer story on my blog. He is a very talented and inspirational individual, who can help make a difference in our battle against a lethal disease. In so doing, he can highlight the importance of cancer awareness.

To kickoff Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Congress  re-introduced the "Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act.” This legislation will ensure seniors have the same access to colorectal cancer screening as those with private insurance.

Chris writes about the importance of showing the women in our lives how much we appreciate them by ensuring that all women have access to timely and affordable preventive services. He highlights the need to fight for increased funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Today is the start of ACS CAN's signature annual event: our Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. We'll be welcoming more than 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all 50 states and nearly every congressional district to Washington, D.C. for three days of training, presentations, media opportunities and, of course, meetings with lawmakers.

Almost everyone has lost a loved one to cancer. But this tragedy is only compounded when we realize afterwards that some of these cancers could have been prevented.

Amy Golder-Cooper is a dedicated volunteer advocate for ACS CAN in Pennsylvania, and a proud colorectal cancer survivor.

Getting a colonoscopy is no one's favorite activity. Yet, I am reminded just how important getting a routine colonoscopy is when I see that colon cancer will kill an estimated 50,000 people in the U.S. this year.

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. represents the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey