Yesterday the Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3) in partnership with Olympus held an event at the National Press Club entitled ‘The State of Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Forum.’ The event presented not only the current statistics but also current challenges and opportunities within the Colorectal Cancer (CRC) community.

The primary message shared by all of the presenters was this: screening rates for colorectal cancer are far below the screening rates of comparable populations for other cancers. As an example, Cervical Cancer screenings are done on 87% of the eligible population; whereas, the screening rates for colorectal cancer are closer to 33%. These numbers are shocking when you consider the fact that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America. Why does it seem to be the overlooked/undervalued exam?

Experts from the CDC, leading research centers, and the American Cancer Society weighed in with opinions on what actions might be taken to improve the screening rates. Debate ensued regarding many questions such as: are the screening guidelines confusing? do people actually read screening guidelines? do state governments need to issue more mandates? do we need more research? Is there a shortage of gastroenterologists? Are Primary Care Physicians doing their part to advocate for screening? 

At the end of it all, it seemed clear that a massive upswell in reporting on screening rates and insurance ratings (who covers what? Are polypectomies included?) needs to take place. Public awareness needs to be drawn to our cause. If people understand that they can avoid cancer by getting a colonoscopy; and if they understand that early detection leads to a very high likelihood of survival while the alternative is not only expensive but often lethal perhaps we’ll see a meaningful change in screening rates.