March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to highlight the life-saving importance of screening and prevention. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States when men and women are combined, yet it is also one of the most preventable cancers when detected early through screening.
Screening can do more than detect cancer early, it can prevent colorectal cancer altogether by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they become cancerous. Despite this, about one in three adults who should be screened are not up to date, meaning thousands of cancers could be prevented or detected earlier.
The Impact in Ohio
Colorectal cancer continues to affect thousands of Ohioans each year. According to the Ohio Department of Health, colon and rectum cancer remains among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the state. Increased screening over the past two decades has contributed to declining incidence rates, but gaps remain, particularly among populations with lower screening rates.
Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. When colorectal cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is about 90%, compared with roughly 15% when diagnosed after it has spread to distant parts of the body.
Family physicians play a critical role in closing this screening gap by identifying eligible patients, recommending screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults, and helping patients complete appropriate testing.
New EasyPI Track: Colorectal Cancer Screening
To support practices in improving screening rates, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians has launched a new EasyPI track focused on colorectal cancer screening.
- Identify patients due for colorectal cancer screening
- Implement evidence-based screening strategies
- Track and improve screening performance
- Close preventive care gaps through quality improvement.
The colorectal cancer screening track is sponsored by Exact Sciences. Through this partnership, Exact Sciences can support users in a variety of areas to improve colorectal cancer screening rates in practice. Review the sponsor highlight flyer for more information.
Join the Effort This March
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder that screening saves lives. By leveraging the new EasyPI colorectal cancer screening track and available resources, Ohio family physicians can continue leading the way in prevention, helping more patients get screened, and reducing the burden of colorectal cancer across our state.