Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Colorado. But it doesn't have to be.We estimate that six of every 10 deaths from colon cancer could be prevented through screening. It is time for a statewide conversation that elevates the importance of regular colorectal cancer screening in the same way that breast cancer awareness has raised the importance of regular mammograms and, consequently, saved lives.Several decades ago, with breast cancer rates rising, Colorado and the nation awakened to the need for more and better screening. Today, pink ribbons fly proudly, and thousands march in the streets to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research, screening and treatment. Mammo-grams have become a regular part of most women's health-care checkup.Meanwhile, colorectal cancer remains largely under the radar, a silent killer. There are no symptoms in the early, treatable stages, and the main risk factor is simply advancing age.More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur in men and women 50 years or older. Yet too many older Coloradans and their health-care providers are not having the crucial conversation about the need to screen for colorectal cancer.We at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urge Coloradans 50 years or older to talk to their doctors and begin regular screening for colorectal cancer. Screening is relatively painless and can be used to prevent colorectal cancer. And most insurance plans cover the screening.One screening option is a simple lab test that helps detect blood in the stool and cancer at earlier stages. The more well-known colonoscopy is done while the patient is sedated, and the procedure can remove pre-cancerous polyps from the colon.Colorado is one of 26 states and tribal organizations funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, public education and outreach. The department's new Colorectal Cancer Prevention program also aims to provide screening access, improve patient outcomes and prepare for health-care reform screening mandates.We hope to break down the barriers to the colorectal conversation, to dispel the myths that colorectal cancer is rare, that it only affects men and that the screening procedure is painful or expensive. We will promote the importance, ease and effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in an effort to make it as common as breast cancer screening. We have begun the conversation.Screening saves lives.Maybe yours.Dr. Chris Urbina is executive director and chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110428/OPINION04/104280346/Screening-can-save-your-life?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Colorado. But it doesn't have to be.
We estimate that six of every 10 deaths from colon cancer could be prevented through screening. It is time for a statewide conversation that elevates the importance of regular colorectal cancer screening in the same way that breast cancer awareness has raised the importance of regular mammograms and, consequently, saved lives.
Several decades ago, with breast cancer rates rising, Colorado and the nation awakened to the need for more and better screening. Today, pink ribbons fly proudly, and thousands march in the streets to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research, screening and treatment. Mammo-grams have become a regular part of most women's health-care checkup.
Meanwhile, colorectal cancer remains largely under the radar, a silent killer. There are no symptoms in the early, treatable stages, and the main risk factor is simply advancing age.
More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur in men and women 50 years or older. Yet too many older Coloradans and their health-care providers are not having the crucial conversation about the need to screen for colorectal cancer.
We at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urge Coloradans 50 years or older to talk to their doctors and begin regular screening for colorectal cancer. Screening is relatively painless and can be used to prevent colorectal cancer. And most insurance plans cover the screening.
One screening option is a simple lab test that helps detect blood in the stool and cancer at earlier stages. The more well-known colonoscopy is done while the patient is sedated, and the procedure can remove pre-cancerous polyps from the colon.
Colorado is one of 26 states and tribal organizations funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, public education and outreach. The department's new Colorectal Cancer Prevention program also aims to provide screening access, improve patient outcomes and prepare for health-care reform screening mandates.
We hope to break down the barriers to the colorectal conversation, to dispel the myths that colorectal cancer is rare, that it only affects men and that the screening procedure is painful or expensive. We will promote the importance, ease and effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in an effort to make it as common as breast cancer screening. We have begun the conversation.
Screening saves lives.
Maybe yours.
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