SETON: March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
American Cancer Society Urges Increased Colon Cancer Screening to Save Lives “80% by 2018” is a shared goal to have 80% of adults aged 50 and older regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.
AUSTIN – Because colorectal cancer screening has been proven to save lives, Seton Healthcare Family today announced that it pledges to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by supporting the “80% by 2018” initiative led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, an organization co-founded by ACS and CDC.
Colorectal cancer is the nation’s No. 2 cause of cancer-related deaths; however, it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths in the colon called polyps before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.
80% by 2018 is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) initiative in which nearly 200 organizations are committed to eliminating 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 in three years. Leading public health organizations such as ACS, CDC and the NCCRT are rallying organizations to embrace this shared goal.
“Too many people aren’t getting tested because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand that there are several testing options or don’t think they can afford it,” Sandy Miller, Seton Healthcare Family network director for oncology services, said. “Even take home options are available.”
Colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped 30 percent in the U.S. over the last 10 years among adults 50 and older. In 2014, 137,000 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed.
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 who are committed to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer to prevent more cancers and save lives.
“We are asking everyone in Central Texas to help out,” Miller said. “If you’re 50 or older, get screened. If you have family or friends 50 or older, encourage them to get screened.”
For more information and guidance on colorectal cancer, visit cancer.org/fightcoloncancer or call the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-227-2345.
About the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit
www.cancer.org/fight.