MANCHESTER, NH – If you’ve ever wondered about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, read on.
.“80% by 2018” is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) initiative. Hundreds of organizations have committed to substantially reducing colorectal cancer as a major public health problem and are working toward the shared goal of 80 percent of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. Leading public health organizations, such as NCCRT, CDC and the ACS are rallying organizations to embrace this shared goal. If we can achieve 80 percent by 2018, 277,000 cases and 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths would be prevented by 2030.
“Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem, and adults age 50 and older should be regularly screened for it, but we have found that many people aren’t getting tested because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand that there are testing options or don’t think they can afford it,” said Dmitriy Kedrin MD, PhD, Elliot Health System, Gastroenterology “The truth is that the vast majority of cases of colorectal cancer occur in people age 50 and older. Colorectal cancer in its’ early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 50 and older should get tested. There are several screening options – even take home options – available. Plus, many public and private insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening and there may be local resources available to help those that are uninsured.”
While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped in the U.S. among adults 50 and older, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, despite being highly preventable, detectable and treatable. In fact, it is estimated that in 2016, 134,490 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed.
Part of the 80% by 2018 goal is to leverage the energy of multiple and diverse partners to empower communities, patients and providers to increase screening rates. The 80% by 2018 initiative consists of health care providers, health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government, non-profit organizations and patient advocacy groups, among others, who are committed to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer to prevent more cancers and save lives. The Elliot is proud to join this initiative.
For more information about who should be tested, high-risk factors and available tests offered at the Elliot, please come to the Elliot at River’s Edge on October 3rd, 2017 between the hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and have a walk through the Inflatable Colon or contact your Primary Care Physician, or call Elliot Gastroenterology at 603-314-6900.
