Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Maine CDC encourages Mainers to talk with a health care provider about when and how to be tested for colorectal cancer.

The number of deaths from colorectal cancer and the number of new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in Maine has been decreasing over the last decade due to screening and improvements in treatment. However, colorectal cancer still remains the third-leading cause of Maine cancer cases and deaths.

While many people know that early detection of cancer is important to a positive long-term outcome, some cancers such as colorectal cancer (also referred to as colon cancer) can be prevented. Colorectal cancer starts as a polyp, which is a small collection of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum. Polyps tend to grow slowly and can take many years before they become cancerous.

The recommended age to start screening is 50. There are three types of tests recommended for colorectal screening: the high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (annually); flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years); and colonoscopy (every 10 years). For those younger than age 50 who have a family history of colorectal cancer, screening may start earlier.

It is important for people to talk with their health care provider about their risk for all cancers.  For additional information and resources: www.screenmaine.org/colon-cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

We know that colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented as well as detected early with screening. Colon cancer starts as a polyp, or small collection of abnormal cells. Colon polyps become more common as we age. The recommendation for screening at age 50 is based upon this science. Don’t delay your screening appointment if you are turning 50 – and consult your doctor about screening if you are younger than 50 but have a family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps.

 

Colon cancer is most treatable when found in the earliest stages. Often, people have few symptoms until polyps have progressed to cancer.

 

Screening saves lives, so get screened and encourage others to be screened as well.

 

The United States Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend three types of tests as options for people without a family history of colon cancer:

 

• High-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing or fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) every year: This can be obtained from your doctor’s office and can be done in the privacy of your home.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years combined with a high-sensitivity stool test or FIT every 3 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

For more information about colon cancer prevention visit the Maine CDC Colorectal Cancer Control Program.
 

Colorectal Cancer: One of the few malignancies that can be prevented or detected early through screening

March is the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a great opportunity to share Maine-specific data on colorectal cancer.

1. According to the Maine Cancer Registry, 2004-2008 data, only 46% of the colorectal cancers in Maine are detected at an early stage
2. Studies show that when providers recommend screening directly to their patients, they are significantly more likely to comply with screening 
3. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and FOBT are options for early cancer detection that can be used in patients who have average risk for colon cancer BUT

• should not be used as an office-based test (i.e., as part of rectal exam).
• If positive, should be followed up with a colonoscopy (and not repeated for confirmation)

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Maine.  In the past few decades we have seen reduced incidence of, and mortality from, colorectal cancer, likely due to increased screening, especially utilization of colonoscopy (which can prevent cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps and detect cancer early so it is more easily and successfully treated).  Among those who develop colorectal cancer in our state, 55% of people under age 65 and 45% of people over age 65 are diagnosed at a later stage, despite availability of a variety of screening tests for early detection.

Maine CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program (MCRCCP) is a statewide program funded through a cooperative agreement by the US CDC. The purpose of the MCRCCP is to

• Increase the colorectal cancer screening rate of Maine residents age 50 and older from 74.3% [2010 BRFSS] to 80% by 2014 (Adults aged 50+ who have ever had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)
• Help reduce financial barriers to screening (specifically by colonoscopy or FIT) for low income uninsured Maine residents age 50 and older

For more information about the MCRCCP or for patients who may need assistance, call 877-320-6800 or visit our website at http://colonscreenme.org/

Cervical Cancer Screening

            January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and Maine CDC encourages Maine women to schedule a Pap test, especially if it has been five or more years since the last test.

            “Regularly scheduled Pap tests are critical in preventing cervical cancer,’’ said Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine CDC. “With the holiday rush over, now may be the perfect time to schedule a test.”

            But going for a routine Pap test can make all the difference - helping medical staff spot potentially cancerous cells growing on the cervix, or neck of the womb, before it’s too late, said Dr. Pinette.

            Women should check with their doctor to find out if they need a Pap test or other cancer screenings, including a mammogram, a FIT test (Fecal Immunochemical Test), or a colonoscopy.

            For more information about breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer, or to learn if you qualify for free screening, women should call 1-800-350-5180 and press 1

Colorectal cancer

In Maine’s total population, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of new cancer cases and deaths. In 2009, almost 900 Mainers were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and approximately 260 died from this disease.

This month’s US CDC Vital Signs and related MMWR focus on colorectal cancer.

The Maine Colorectal Cancer Control Program hopes to lessen the number of Mainers that are diagnosed with, or die from, colorectal cancer each year. The program focuses on helping all Mainers understand how important it is to be screened for colon cancer when they are age 50 and older, providing no-cost screening services for Mainers who do not have health insurance (or who have health insurance that does not pay for the costs of this important test), and connecting Mainers with the resources they need to prevent, detect, and survive colon cancer.