Plans are underway for thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates to join in recognizing March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the Great Plains QIN region, organizations including the North Dakota Cancer Coalition and the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board are hosting events to increase awareness and educate on colon cancer screening.
While colon cancer is highly preventable, many Americans are still not up-to-date on colon cancer screening. Hosting a local event is an opportunity to save lives by increasing colorectal cancer screening. The Colon Cancer Alliance website provides a variety of resources to assist with planning of special events including the “Get Blued!” photo contest and National Dress in Blue Day on March 3, 2017.
80% by 2018 Initiative
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable recognized colorectal cancer as a public health concern and launched the 80% by 2018 Initiative. 80% by 2018 is supported by hundreds of organizations working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. A recent study on the public health impact of achieving the goal of 80% by 2018 reported prevention of 203,000 deaths and 277,000 cases of colorectal cancer by 2030.
Reach out to a local Great Plains QIN local contact for information on evidence-based interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening and save lives.