Sandy Hutchens Cancer Prevention

Wisconsin is doing poorly when it comes to screening for colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society gave the state an “F” because it’s one of only a few states without any laws requiring insurance providers to cover the cost of a colorectal cancer screening.

ACS numbers show colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Wisconsin. But it can be prevented through screening.

Not all companies cover the exams, forcing some people to choose between paying for the test or not getting one.

But things could change. Wisconsin lawmakers are set to vote on a bill that would make all state-regulated providers cover the cost of a routine screening.

“People in Wisconsin want their lawmakers to do everything they can to combat cancer in this state and there’s no reason they should continue to accept an ‘F’ grade on this matter,” said Bob Meyer, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society.

Colorectal surgeon Song

Judy Danchura found the cat in her backyard one day last June and put out some food. The feline was back again at her door meowing enough to wake her at 3 a.m. She let the cat in, prepared a litter, and retired to bed.

While Danchura and her husband slept, the cat jumped onto the bed and slowly walked across her body. As the cat stepped on one of her breasts, Danchura was struck by an strong shot of pain.

A lump was discovered.

“I sort of went, ‘Oh geez, there’s definitely something wrong there,’” she said.

The cat was considered a hero by finding a cancerous tumour in Judy Danchura’s breast She made a doctor’s appointment,then there were the tests and ultimately the diagnosis of cancer.

Due to the early detection of the malignant tumour, and since she was able to start treatment right away, Danchura’s possibility of survival is estimated at 95 per cent.

She is grateful to the cat, which she has now adopted.

“I don’t know what my chances of survival would have been without him,” she said. “I know I’d certainly be far worse off.”

Danchura named the cat Sumo but likes to refer to him as her “furry four-footed angel.”

“I sometimes feel overwhelmed because I feel humbled,” she said. “I can’t understand why this animal turned up for me.”