September 13, 2007

Free Screening Available to Prevent Colon Cancer

Hayden, ID - Northern Idaho's rates for colorectal cancer-cancer of the colon and/or rectum-are the highest in the state and health professionals are determined to lower them.

    Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide in men and women. Colorectal cancer deaths are preventable with screening and early diagnosis, but screening rates in Idaho are nearly the lowest in the nation. Idaho ranks 48th among all states for the percentage of residents who undergo screening to prevent colorectal cancer.

    "Our goal is to increase timely screenings and decrease the incidents of late-stage diagnoses in the five northern counties," says Kim Prasad, a Panhandle Health District registered nurse who coordinates northern Idaho's Colorectal Cancer Coalition.

    To help meet that goal, the coalition will offer free colorectal cancer screening at the Panhandle Health District's Hayden headquarters, 8500 N. Atlas Rd., Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For an appointment, call 415-5270.

    The American Cancer Society recommends people start regular colorectal screening at age 50 if they have no history of intestinal problems or family history of colorectal cancer. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.

    Colorectal cancer develops slowly. It typically starts as non-cancerous growths of tissues-polyps-in the intestines. Regular screening enables doctors to find and remove polyps before cancer develops and in cancer's early stages when it's easier to cure.

    People younger than 50 are at risk of colorectal cancer if they have a history of digestive system problems or bowel disease or other family members have had colorectal cancer. They should start screenings earlier than age 50.

    In Idaho in 2005, 43 out of 100,000 residents were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In the five northern counties in 2005, 52 out of 100,000 residents were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The free Colorectal Cancer Screening Day Sept. 21 is open to anyone. Medical practitioners will conduct Fecal Immunoassay Tests by rectal exams that are 93 percent accurate in detecting blood in the stool. Participants will receive test results 15 minutes after their exams. Nursing staff will refer people whose tests indicate problems to local community resources.

    The Colorectal Cancer Screening Coalition includes members from Panhandle Health District, Kootenai Cancer Center, Benewah Medical Center, Dirne Community Health Center, Kaniksu Community Health Center, American Cancer Society, Northwestern Cancer Information Service, and North Idaho College.

    For information or appointments, call 415-5270.

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