A new study published in the journal Cancer March 12, 2015 finds that if 80 percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 had the recommended colon cancer screening, 21,000 deaths from colon cancer could be prevented. While it is one of the leading causes of deaths from cancer, only half of those who should be screened for colon cancer schedule screenings. The reasons people put off a colon cancer screening vary from fear of the preparation or the screening itself to not having an established relationship with a health care provider or simply not wanting to go through the perceived hassle. However, those reasons pale in comparison to the benefits of screening, which can not only detect colon cancer early, it can also serve as prevention.
A panelist from the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable commented in a press release on these findings that “the barriers to increasing colorectal cancer screening in the United States are significant and numerous” and “this study shows that investing in efforts to clear these hurdles will result in a major cancer prevention success.”
This month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we have been working to provide education and resources to those 50 and older in our community to connect them with Lovelace Medical Group providers for consultations and screenings through our #timetogetchecked awareness campaign. Lovelace Care Concierge is available to help assist with scheduling needs for anyone interested by calling 505-727-2727 or visiting this website.
We join the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s initiative to encourage more Americans 50 to 75 to schedule their regular colorectal cancer screening and learn more about reducing their risk through screening, diet, exercise and recognizing the signs of colorectal cancer. Talk to your health care provider today, as well as family and friends who should be checked, and take the steps to be proactive in your health. It may just be the conversation that saves a life - or even yours.