(Feb. 4, 2008) The University of Minnesota Cancer Center is supporting a new legislative initiative to increase colorectal cancer screening among underserved residents of Minnesota. On March 6, 2008, the American Cancer Society, the Get Your Rear in Gear Foundation, and the Minnesota Cancer Alliance are organizing a Day at the Capitol to encourage legislators to support the Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act.

The Day at the Capitol will begin at Embassy Suites Hotel in St. Paul with breakfast, advocacy training, and a lunchtime keynote speech by Tim Byers, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and National American Cancer Society Board. Byers is renowned for his work on colorectal cancer screening and early detection programs. After lunch, participants will take a bus to the Capitol to meet with legislators and participate in informational programs and discussions. If you are not able to attend the full day, you are still encouraged to come to the Capitol during the afternoon to meet with your legislators. For more information about the legislative initiative, see the fact sheet available on the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Web site. If you would like to participate in the Day at the Capitol, contact Sally Starr at 651-255-8118 or Sally.Starr@cancer.org, or register online.