The WVU Cancer Institute, the West Virginia Mountains of Hope State Cancer Coalition, and WVU Medicine are promoting the Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign during the month of March. Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc., Huntington’s free and charitable clinic for the uninsured and underinsured, is taking part. Activities began with Dress in Blue Day on March 1st to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening.
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer among men and women. Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 1,103 West Virginians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, while 430 died from the disease each year. Over half (56%) of these colorectal cancers were diagnosed as late-stage.
Thankfully, colorectal cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screenings, starting at age 45 and continuing through 75, can find polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer. Additionally, when colorectal cancer is detected early through screening, 87% of West Virginians are alive 5 years after diagnosis.
Most health plans offer universal coverage of the screening. Unfortunately, one out of three people are still not being screened. While not having health insurance may seem like a barrier for some to receive this life-saving screening, Ebenezer Medical Outreach offers solutions.
“We partner with local providers and state-wide programs to help the uninsured get their colorectal cancer screening at no cost to them,” Dan Hager, Ebenezer’s Executive Director, said. “There are multiple screening options, so don’t let stories about how bad the preparation for a colonoscopy supposedly is keep you from doing something that could help save your life.”
People in good health and with a life expectancy of over 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through age 75. For those older than 75, the decision to screen should be based on a conversation with their health care provider.
“It can be an uncomfortable subject, but getting over that can help save a lot of lives,” Hager said. “We can’t be afraid to talk about poop.”
Those interested in colorectal cancer screening should talk to their health care providers about risk factors and which screening test is appropriate. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm.
To schedule an appointment at Ebenezer Medical Outreach, call 304-529-0753.