How the League of Women Voters Shaped Democracy; and Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Still Saves Lives

(00:00:00) We begin with the remarkable history of the League of Women Voters, born in 1920 from the women’s suffrage movement and led by NAWSA president Carrie Chapman Catt. Created six months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the League set out to help newly enfranchised women learn how to register, how to vote, and how their government worked. In Pennsylvania, LWV chapters in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia mobilized quickly, registering thousands of women and building a culture of informed civic participation. More than a century later, the League’s mission has expanded across every state — and even to the US Virgin Islands and Hong Kong — continuing its work to strengthen democracy through education and engagement. (00:22:19) Then we turn to another essential form of empowerment: colorectal cancer prevention. Experts explain why colorectal cancer is both common and highly preventable, how routine screening beginning at age 45 can detect cancer early or remove precancerous polyps, and why understanding personal and family risk is critical. We also explore the lifestyle choices — from diet to physical activity — that significantly reduce risk and help people take control of their long‑term health. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.