The 80% by 2018 Initiative led by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), American Cancer Society (ACS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has helped turn colorectal cancer screening from a taboo topic to part of the dinner conversation. In fact, as the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined, colorectal cancer has become a center of conversation among the healthcare professionals as a major public health problem.
Hundreds of organizations have committed to promote the 80% by 2018 Initiative and its shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. Detecting colorectal cancer early through screening increases successful treatment and can even prevent cancer from forming by removing precancerous polyps. According to the NCCRT, about 1 in 3 adults between 50 and 75 years old (about 23 million people) are not getting tested as recommended.
While the personal nature of colorectal cancer symptoms and screening methods can be uncomfortable to talk about, even among family, the value of saving a life through early detection or even prevention makes the conversation worth the effort. Healthcare providers are helping to lead the conversation by explaining colorectal cancer risk factors and recommending screening options based on personal and family health history.
Dr. Durado Brooks, vice president of cancer control intervention for the ACS and NCCRT Steering Committee member, will present A Family Affair: Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Options to health care professionals and consumers across the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network ‘s (QIN) four-state region on October 3, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Central.
Great Plains QIN is partnering with local organizations to host viewing locations for Dr. Brook’s presentation. Information on colorectal cancer risk factors and screening options along with resources for sharing personal and family health history will be provided for those in attendance.
For details on participating in the webinar presentation, please contact Stacie Fredenburg at 605-444-4116 or find more information on colorectal cancer on the Great Plains QIN colorectal cancer consumer page.