March Forth, National Screening Campaign

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Starting in Philadelphia, March Forth is an arising national effort to combat colorectal cancer by driving up screening rates. By working with partners, families, and advocates across the country, the initiative intends to close the screening gap and save 100,000 lives in the next 10 years.

 Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. An astounding 50,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer, and the number is growing rapidly for those under the age of 50.

 Tragically, prevention of most of these deaths was entirely possible. Unlike various other cancers, colorectal cancer is a surface cancer that is easily detected and treated. It is COMPLETELY preventable when caught early, yet extremely deadly when caught late.

 Kevin Lewis, co-founder and previous chairman of the Alliance, connected, the project's partner, Lee Dranikoff with the Alliance three years ago, when Lee’s wife Joanna was diagnosed with late-stage early-onset colorectal cancer at age 47. On March 4, 2016, at age 47, Joanna lost her battle to colorectal cancer, leaving behind Lee and their three children. The Dranikoff family, in partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, has been a driving force behind establishing March Forth and pushing the cause forward.

 “March Forth is fiercely determined to eradicate colorectal cancer in our lifetime,” said Lee Dranikoff, March Forth founding member and board member of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “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.” The March Forth campaign is building awareness and creating a sense of urgency about the importance of screening and prevention.

 March Forth founding members include:

  •  John Backus—Colorectal Cancer Alliance Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner at Proof VC;

  • John M. Daly, MD, FACS—Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board Member; Harry C. Donahoo Professor, Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University; Surgical Director, William Maul Measey Institute for Clinical Simulation and Patient Safety; Emeritus Dean, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University; Attending Surgeon, Fox Chase Cancer Center;

  • Lee Dranikoff—Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board Member and Managing Director at American Securities;

  • Joseph A. Frick—Former Colorectal Cancer Alliance Chairman of the Board; retired CEO and current board member of Independence Blue Cross; and Senior Advisor at Diversified Search;

  • Kevin T. Lewis—Colorectal Cancer Alliance Co-Founder and Former Chairman of the Board and Principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers

  • David Schoeman—Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board Member and Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company.

 “We believe colorectal cancer is a senseless killer that must be stopped,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “Our vision is a city without colorectal cancer. We know our vision is possible with the right focus, partners, and financial commitment.”

 Learn more about how to get involved: https://www.ccalliance.org/news/press-releases/colorectal-cancer-prevention-program-march-forth-launches-in-philadelphia.

Jaime Hann