April 21, 2015
Each year, about 50,000 Americans die from a disease that is almost entirely detectable, preventable, and treatable. Colorectal cancer claims more lives yearly than either breast cancer or prostate cancer.
“Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths; however, it is one of only a few cancers that can almost always be prevented,” said Dr. Richard Snyder, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Independence Blue Cross.
In 2014, organizations across the country teamed up and pooled their resources to eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. Their goal was simple: have at least 80% of all adults aged 50 and older regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018 (currently, only 6 in 10 are being screened).
The so-called 80% by 2018 initiative celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.
Screening can often detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most easily cured. And in many instances, screening can prevent the disease entirely by finding and removing hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous.
“The truth is that colon cancer can be prevented by removing pre-cancerous polyps or cured by finding it before symptoms appear,” said Dr. Richard Wender, chief cancer control officer for the American Cancer Society.
Colon cancer survivor Dave Britt’s story attests to the disease’s treatability and importance of diligent screening. Because he caught it “pretty early,” doctors were able to save his life.
Unfortunately, many of those who are at risk of colorectal cancer are not aware of their options when it comes to being screened.
“We have found that many people aren’t getting tested because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand that there are testing options, or don’t think they can afford it,” continued Dr. Wender.
In addition to potentially saving thousands of lives, screening is both easy and affordable.
“There are several screening options available, and most public and private insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening without any copayment,” offered Dr. Snyder of Independence Blue Cross.
Colorectal cancer screening procedures vary, and most result in little to no discomfort. A few can even be undertaken in the comfort of one’s own home. With all the testing options available, raising awareness is now the key to saving more lives.
Here in Philadelphia, members of the region’s medical community are doing their part to ensure folks get screened and that the 80% by 2018 initiative is a success locally.
In 2014, Independence started contacting its members via IBX Wire, a private, personalized, HIPAA-compliant way for members and the insurer to communicate. Adults 50 and older who had signed up for the service received text messages containing a link to a reminder to get screened for colorectal cancer.
Results were promising: members who received the reminder were nearly twice as likely to get screened within four months as those who did not receive the text.
Similarly creative initiatives are being implemented elsewhere in the state. GE Transportation in Erie, Pa., offered free colorectal screening and educational seminars to its more than 7,000 employees. During the course of several months, they were able to increase colorectal screens by 4%.
The potential of these efforts to save lives is astounding. The American Cancer Society estimates that reaching 80% by 2018 would prevent more than 20,000 deaths from colorectal cancer every year.
Because there is so much at stake, it’s easy to see why organizations are so committed to making sure people are being screened.
Significant challenges to screening certainly remain, such as transportation, perceptions, and a lack of information, but just over a year into the 80% by 2018 initiative, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the progress being made.
Visit Cancer.org for additional information on screening and/or patient services.
