COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION

1. COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION S Bhagwandin, DO

2. DEFINING ISSUE • Colorectal cancer is almost 90% preventable with recommended screening- early detection is vital. Despite its high incidence, it remains one of the most readily detectable as well as treatable form of cancer if found early enough. That is why CCP is working to make communities aware and provide a means with which they can receive scheduled colonoscopy.

3. EVIDENCE • By detecting and removing polyps and cancer in the earlier stages, the survival rate has also increased over the past two decades.The five-year survival rate for colon cancer found at the local stage is 90%. • The five-year survival rate for colon cancer found at the regional stage is 70%. • The five-year survival rate for colon cancer found at the distant stage is 12%. These statistics were compiled from the American Cancer Society’s 2012 Cancer Facts & Figures and Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2011-2013.

4. ACTION ORIENTED SOLUTION • Educate, detect early, and attract political attention to the needs of patients afflicted with colorectal cancer. We can not accomplish this without encouraging EVERYONEto receive colorectal cancer screening at the age of 50. CCP also encourages state legislators to address colorectal cancer prevention by increasing access to the most advanced screening and preventive technologies, particularly for underserved communities, and increasing awareness about screening and preventionPrevention: Colonoscopy screening is the major way to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Although it is the most important, it is not the only way we advocate for reducing the incidence of colon cancer. Through education for risk factors, individuals need to know their family history as well as participate in behavior modification that maintains a healthy balanced diet, exercise, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.

5. Policy Entry Point • TELL THE SENATE TO ENACT A NATIONAL CRC SCREENING PROGRAMGovernmental and Non-governmental Stakeholders:CDC www.cdc.com   NIH www.nih.govNational Cancer Institute www.cancer.govAmerican Cancer Society http://www.acscan.org/Cancer Centers of America www.cancercenter.comState Cancer Legislative Databasehttp://www.scld-nci.net/about/about-what-is-SCLD.cfmDepartments of HealthDoctors Public health personnelNon-profit organizations (CancerCure, FightColorectalCancer, Cancer Center Association)Insurance companies (BCBS)Local businessesCancer survivorsWe also work closely with state legislators to address cancer prevention by increasing access to the most advanced screening and preventive technologies, particularly for underserved communities, and increasing awareness about screening and prevention.

6. POLICY ENTRY POINT • Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP).CRCCP currently provides funding to 25 states and four tribal organizations for implementation of colorectal cancer screening programs. This  CDC program needs to be expanded nationally. According to the CDC, colorectal cancer screening prevalence among adults age 50-75 in 2008 was 63 percent. The CDC has set a national screening rate target of 66 percent in 2012, with a long-term goal of 83 percent by 2020.Funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)These programs fund critical research for colorectal cancer.Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Colonoscopy. Request legislative action to amend current Medicare requirements that beneficiaries pay coinsurance when their colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy also involves polyp removal

7. MARKETING • SIGN UP FOR ADVOCACY DAY ON THE HILL- AUGUST 30, 2013!!!!!! • VISIT OUR STORE TO PURCHASE T-SHIRTS AND CANCER SURVIVAL APPAREL  • WALK IN OUR ANNUAL CURE FOR COLON CANCER 5K!