Colorectal cancer screening has been proven to save lives. The Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health joins forces with hundreds of local and national organizations to increase colorectal cancer screenings rates across the country by signing the pledge. The “80% by 2018” pledge is a shared goal to have 80% of adults aged 50 and older regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. This initiative is led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (a coalition co-founded by ACS and CDC).
Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. when men and women are combined; however it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer.
While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped in the U.S. among adults 50 and older, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, despite being highly preventable, detectable and treatable. In fact, it is estimated that in 2016, 134,490 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed. This is why leading public health organizations, such as NCCRT, CDC and the ACS are rallying organizations to embrace this shared goal. If we can achieve 80% by 2018, 277,000 cases and 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths would be prevented by 2030.
Part of the 80%by 2018 goal is to leverage the energy of multiple and diverse partners to empower communities, patients and providers to increase screening rates. The 80% by 2018 initiative consists of health care providers, health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government, non-profit organizations and patient advocacy groups, among others, who are committed to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer to prevent more cancers and save lives.
The Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health is proud to be a part of this initiative and urges Atlantic and Cape May County residents to take care of themselves by getting colorectal cancer screenings and talking to their doctors about colorectal cancer. If residents cannot afford colorectal screenings their local Cancer Education and Early Detection Program better known as CEED can help. Please call:
- Atlantic County: 609-653-3484
- Cape May County: 609-465-1200
- Other NJ Counties: 1-800-328-3838
Get screened now!