Issue Brief
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
State of Illinois, Health Department Colorectal Cancer Coalition
Winter 2016
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Overview
Colorectal cancer is cancer that originates in either the colon (large intestine) or the rectum (anus). In determining the value of preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) it is important to remember that CRC is the “second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and women” (cdc.gov, 2015). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) latest statistics (2012) revealed 134,784 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with CRC and 51,516 people died from CRC (cdc.gov, 2015).
Illinois CRC mortality rate was “higher in Illinois for both males and females” with men more likely affected than women and non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites when compared against all other races (Garner, 2011). Illinois rural residents were more likely to have a high rate CRC diagnosis than their suburban counter parts (Garner, 2011). Although CRC rates have steadily decreased state wide and Nationally over the past 5 years Illinois colorectal cancer screening rate currently stands at 61.7 which falls short of the American Cancer Society’s goal of a 75% screening rate and the …show more content…
After age 85 the USPSTF does not recommended screenings as treatment for CRC risks outweigh benefits (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org, 2016). People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age, and may need to be tested more frequently. The decision to be screened after age 75 should be made on an individual
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
State of Illinois, Health Department Colorectal Cancer Coalition
Winter 2016
______________________________________________________________________
Overview
Colorectal cancer is cancer that originates in either the colon (large intestine) or the rectum (anus). In determining the value of preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) it is important to remember that CRC is the “second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and women” (cdc.gov, 2015). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) latest statistics (2012) revealed 134,784 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with CRC and 51,516 people died from CRC (cdc.gov, 2015).
Illinois CRC mortality rate was “higher in Illinois for both males and females” with men more likely affected than women and non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites when compared against all other races (Garner, 2011). Illinois rural residents were more likely to have a high rate CRC diagnosis than their suburban counter parts (Garner, 2011). Although CRC rates have steadily decreased state wide and Nationally over the past 5 years Illinois colorectal cancer screening rate currently stands at 61.7 which falls short of the American Cancer Society’s goal of a 75% screening rate and the …show more content…
After age 85 the USPSTF does not recommended screenings as treatment for CRC risks outweigh benefits (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org, 2016). People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age, and may need to be tested more frequently. The decision to be screened after age 75 should be made on an individual