Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States in both men and women, and is the third most common variety of cancer in both genders. In 2016, the American Cancer Society estimates that, in Michigan alone, there will be 4,570 new cases of colorectal cancer, and 1,640 lives will be claimed by the disease.
Taking preventative measures, such as talking to your doctor about what screening tests might be best for you is an essential way to reduce your risk of dying from colorectal cancer. There are several recommended screening options available, ranging from a colonoscopy to a simple test that can be completed at home.
“The importance of early detection cannot be overstated,” said Hiam Hamade, a Chronic Disease Prevention Supervisor at the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center. “This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, make it a priority to discuss the different testing options with your healthcare provider.”
Many cases of colorectal cancer have no initial symptoms, especially in the disease’s early stages when it can be more effectively treated. Unfortunately, about one third of adults aged 50 or older, the demographic at the greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer, do not opt for screenings as often as advised.
“Adults aged 50 and older should be regularly screened for colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, many individuals are not getting tested, because they don’t believe they are at risk or they aren’t aware of the different testing and screening options,” said Hamade. “At ACCESS, we are currently assessing community awareness regarding colorectal cancer, implementing colorectal cancer screening reminders and identifying barriers to screening. Our goal is to increase colorectal cancer screening by promoting better understanding of the disease and reducing the barriers that prevent our community members from undergoing screenings,” she said.
While colorectal cancer risk increases after the age of 50, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer and should talk to their doctor about starting regular testing by colonoscopy early. Colonoscopies have been proven successful at detecting and removing the hidden, precancerous growths called polyps. The removal of polyps has had demonstrable success in reducing the number of colorectal cancer diagnoses.
“ACCESS, in collaboration with the State of Michigan and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, is currently providing risk appropriate colorectal cancer screening, including free colonoscopies or optional at-home tests, to 200 program-eligible men and women who are at average or increased risk for colorectal cancer. By eventually presenting the data collected from these services, we will be able to evaluate the value and importance of using client reminders and reducing structural barriers in order to increase community participation in colorectal cancer screening,” said Hamade.
Many health insurance plans cover lifesaving preventive tests, so be sure to check what kinds of colorectal cancer screening options are covered with your healthcare plan. For those who do not have insurance, contact the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center for a referral for simple, affordable tests available for colorectal cancer screening.
Questions? Contact Hiam Hamade, Chronic Disease Prevention Supervisor at the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center, at hhamade@accesscommunity.org or 313.216.2206
For resources for uninsured residents, and for more information about testing and prevention, visit www.michigancancer.org/colorectal.
For resources regarding the Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign at ACCESS, please visit: https://www.accesscommunity.org/node/316
