Download Colorectal Cancer Rates in Northeastern Pennsylvania Higher than

Colorectal Cancer Rates in Northeastern Pennsylvania Higher than National Average
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Colorectal Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it is the third most common
cancer in men and women.
Pennsylvania rates for colon and rectum cancer have exceeded U.S. rates since 1991.
Although U.S. rates are declining, rates in Pennsylvania have not shown much change.
Mortality rates from colon and rectum cancer are also higher in Pennsylvania than the
U.S. average. Despite the fact that it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the
United States, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
In northeastern Pennsylvania, rates are about 20% higher than the national average.
What does this mean?
Men and women in Pennsylvania, particularly northeastern Pennsylvania, are not being screened
according to recommended guidelines. Cancers of the colon and rectum are not being found
during the early stages of this disease when the survival rate is over 90%.
What can you do as a health care provider to encourage screening?
1. Talk to your patients about the effectiveness of screening in preventing colorectal cancer
and the importance of detecting it in the early stages while it is treatable.
2. If possible, have your staff schedule the procedure before the patient leaves your office.
3. Explain the pros and cons of available screening tests and the fact that different preps
are available for procedures.
4. If your patients refuse to have a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, send them home with
FOBT cards and explain how to use them.
5. Also, please stress the fact that a positive result on the FOBT test requires follow-up with
a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Although colonoscopy is the gold standard and the preferred method for screening for colorectal
cancer, mortality can also be reduced when patients use the FOBT yearly and positive results are
followed with diagnostic evaluation.
The Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study - one of the largest studies performed about
colorectal cancer screening - found that an annual FOBT was associated with a 33% decrease in
mortality rates from colorectal cancer.
Talk to your patients about prevention and early detection. Colorectal cancer is a cancer that is
treatable and beatable! Let’s work together to encourage your patients/ our members to be
proactive about their health and put Wellness in Action.