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03/05/2010 - 09:51

It’s Colon Cancer Awareness Month and this is an opportunity to pause and think about the realities of this disease. Consider these facts:

· Colorectal Cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death.

· In 2009, the American Cancer Society estimated 146,970 new Colorectal Cancer cases were diagnosed and 49,920 cases resulted in death.

· Early detection is vital—over 80% of all cases of Colorectal Cancer can be prevented with recommended screening.

· Leaders in the field have estimated that by adopting recommended Colorectal Cancer screening guidelines, 30,000 lives could be saved annually.

All of these facts are shocking. First of all, whenever I mention, ”Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death,” people don’t believe me. My own family members who work in healthcare think I’m wrong. Most people tend to believe that lung cancer, then breast cancer, then other types of cancer are claiming the most lives. Many times I have pulled out my iPhone during one of these conversations and shown disbelievers websites that verify my claim.

For mainstream America, the incidence of Colorectal Cancer unfortunately appears to be a well-kept secret. With an estimated 50,000 deaths annually, how can this be? All of us, including the media, need to focus on this cancer, which in most cases can be treated if detected early.

What can we do? I recently went to a forum that celebrated achievements in reducing the incidence of Colorectal Cancer and discussed opportunities to expand screening to underserved populations. After a whole morning spent discussing options, however, there was still no clear solution for increasing awareness in a significant way. Yes, we should pass legislation that would expand screening benefits to more people in the Medicare population. Yes, we should spend money on public service announcements. And, yes, we must break down real and perceived barriers to screening. But, if we’re to really hit mainstream America and make an impact and get people running to their doctors saying, ‘I’d like a colonoscopy,’ we’re need to generate an up-swell of grassroots support that includes letter writing to insurance companies, letters to editors of newspapers and magazines, and getting comfortable with the idea of talking about our backsides. If you’ve got specific ideas on how this can be achieved, let me know.

02/02/2010 - 18:42

Anesthesiologist Oversight

I want to thank the Coalition for publishing the issue brief addressing safety protocols for administering propofol and similar anesthetic agents during colonoscopy screenings. I found it to be very insightful. Thank you.

01/29/2010 - 09:16

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure --Benjamin Franklin

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.

01/25/2010 - 18:17

Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening

Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening

Having become familiar with colorectal cancer screening issues over the past year, the need for evidence-based guidelines and sound reimbursement policies, in my opinion, are more important than ever. It has been surprising to me how some screening and reimbursement policies are driven by ad hoc data or economic interests that don’t always focus on the patient’s best interests. Colorectal cancer still is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Health plans and other payers need to promote a multi-tiered approach to preventing colorectal cancer. With emerging screening and care options, it is important to establish evidence-based protocols to establish the appropriateness of any particular intervention. Having read several peer-reviewed journal articles recently on sedation options for patients who are getting screened, I have been taken aback by some stakeholder groups that do not always appear to put patient-safety concerns first. By working together and for the common good, we can literally save thousands of patients’ lives as new screening and treatment options are made available. However, in the same vein, we need to be careful not to jump on the latest fad. Establishing evidence-based approaches are an important first step. Supporting appropriate, timely and consistent reimbursement policies is also essential – along with keeping patients’ educated on their ever-changing screening and treatment options. Please contact Preventing Colorectal Cancer.Org to see how you can get involved in promoting a fair public policy debate that creates sound coverage policies.

Garry Carneal, JD, MA
PCC Board Member

01/14/2010 - 14:56

Fighting For Increased Federal Spending

Preventing Colorectal Cancer.Org is working together with C3 (Colorectal Cancer Coalition) advocates to fight for increased federal spending on Colorectal Cancer education, screening and research. The three day event (3/15-18) is called ‘Call on Congress’ and it includes briefings on current issues facing the colorectal cancer community from leading experts and Members of Congress.

Last year, two of our doctors presented at the ‘advocate training’ day in Alexandria, VA, and also at a Capitol Hill briefing. It was an exciting experience and we hope to have another successful event this year.

For more info: http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/policy/call-on_congress_2010

Regan Weaver,

PCC Project Coordinator

New Blog Posts

03/05/2010 - 09:51
Be Part of the Solution
02/02/2010 - 18:42
Anesthesiologist Oversight
01/29/2010 - 09:16
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure --Benjamin Franklin

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