Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin presents a proclamation to American Cancer Society representative Michelle Chappell.
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In a reversal of roles, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin watches his communications director, Chris Stadelman, address the media during Thursday’s proclamation of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in West Virginia. Stadelman talks of his ongoing battle with colon cancer and the “excellent” quality of care he is getting in West Virginia at Charleston Area Medical’s Cancer Center. Tomblin said colorectal cancer is a statewide crisis, noting that every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer and every 10 minutes someone dies from colorectal cancer. The vast majority of colon cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening and early detection, Tomblin said. The survival rate of individuals who have early stage colorectal cancer is 90 percent, but it is only 10 percent when diagnosed after it has spread to other organs. Tomblin encouraged all citizens to learn more about the prevention of colorectal cancer. The Governor talked about personally getting colonoscopies and the importance of regular screenings. West Virginia Press Association photo by Don Smith
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin presents Michelle Chappell, representing the American Cancer Society and a colon cancer survivor, with a proclamation declaring March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in West Virginia. The Governor was joined by his communications director, Chris Stadelman, right, who is battling colon cancer. Tomblin said colorectal cancer is a statewide crisis, noting that every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer and every 10 minutes someone dies from colorectal cancer. The vast majority of colon cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening and early detection, Tomblin said. The survival rate of individuals who have early stage colorectal cancer is 90 percent, but it is only 10 percent when diagnosed after it has spread to other organs. Tomblin encouraged all citizens to learn more about the prevention of colorectal cancer. The Governor talked about personally getting colonoscopies and the importance of regular screenings. West Virginia Press Association photo by Don Smith