Colorectal Cancer Screening & Diagnosis
Colorectal cancer is an increasingly common form of cancer that often goes undetected. In fact, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths among non-smokers, men and women combined. Both proper diet and annual screening beginning at age 50 can reduce the risk and catch pre-cancerous growths before they become life-threatening.
Recent research from The US Preventive Services Task Force, American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy now recommends the use of the non-invasive Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) annually for adults over 50, as it may be more effective in detecting early cancers than the sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at five-year intervals. Champions for Health is working with community clinics to increase the use of FIT tests as a primary screening tool through a program called FIT-SD and ensure proper data collection, test collection, and follow-thru.
In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates that 16,420 Californians will have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 5,530 will have died from their disease (Siegel, et al). What makes this disturbing is that through timely screening, colorectal cancer is mostly preventable, or detectable at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Persons of average risk should get screened starting at age 45. Regular screening is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. If you are younger than 45 and have a family history of colorectal cancer, or you think you may be at high risk, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening options. Colorectal cancer is expected to be the number one killer of men and second for women under the age of 45 by the year 2030. From Dr. Stony Anderson (President of C4 – California Coalition for Colorectal Cancer): “Colorectal cancer kills more Californians than any cancer other than lung cancer. With screening most of these deaths can be prevented. For every 70 people screened for colorectal cancer, we will prevent one person from dying from colorectal cancer, but only if people get tested. The best test is the one that gets done. Ask your doctor when you should get tested.”
Resources:
- Moores CancerDAT: San Diego County Cancer Statistics
- The Community Guide: Multicomponent Interventions to Increase Cancer Screening (Colorectal Cancer)
- National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Resource Center
- March 13th, 2024- 2024 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast
- March 13th, 2024 – “Real Talk: Why are so Many Young Black People Getting Colorectal Cancer?”, by The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH)
- Tailoring Colorectal Cancer Screening Messaging: A Practical Coalition Guide
- 2023 Lead Time Messaging Guidebook / Companion Webinar “Your Colon is 45” Social Media Toolkit
Programs
Project Access SD
Physician's Support
Blood Pressure Screenings
Love Your Heart is an annual event in which organizations from across the U.S. and Mexico join together to provide FREE blood pressure screenings to the public on or near Valentine’s Day. Annually, Love Your Heart helps tens of thousands of people get to know their blood pressure numbers and take charge of their own heart health.
People with heart disease, hypertension, or a history of stroke, are at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. Prevention is key.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- American Heart Association
- County of San Diego
- American Medical Association
- Homewatch Caregivers
Influenza Immunizations
Influenza or the “flu” is a leading cause of death for individuals with other prolonged diseases and illnesses. To ensure community health, free immunizations are set up across the county during each flu season. By immunizing yourself and your family members, you can protect yourself and loved ones and those around you. See a listing of free flu clinics this fall.
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Join volunteer specialty care physicians and other healthcare providers in leading the efforts towards changing lives.
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Access to care for all is our mission, it shouldn’t be a dream that is out of reach. Our physician volunteers and partners, who support Champions for Health, transform the lives of patients from pain and dire medical diagnoses to health, renewed family involvement, and productive work and community life.
