Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program Makes Its Debut in Philadelphia

Colorectal Cancer recently announced the launch of its colorectal cancer prevention program in Philadelphia. March Forth is a national prevention and screening initiative that works with partners, families and advocates across the country and aims to close the screening gap and save 100,000 lives over the next decade, according to press release from the organization.

“March Forth is fiercely determined to eradicate colorectal cancer in our lifetime. We believe colorectal cancer is a disease that must be stopped within our lifetime, so we work with great urgency. No family should have to experience the loss that we have. We know we can prevent this horrible disease,” Lee Dranikoff, March Forth founding member and board member of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance

In particular, Philadelphia has a screening rate of 44 percent—one of the lowest screening rates in any of the major cities in the U.S. With March Forth, the program aims to put 100 percent of its focus on increased screening rates, which builds on its mission of creating awareness and building a sense of urgency the significance of screening and prevention.

“To succeed in Philadelphia, we are establishing a steering committee of like-minded thought leaders and influencers who will serve as a convener of stakeholders as well as facilitate collaboration with our various partners,” Joseph Frick, colon cancer survivor, March Forth founding member and former chairman of the board of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, retired CEO and current board member of Independence Blue Cross, and senior advisor at Diversified Search.