"80% by 2018" is a shared goal to have 80% of adults aged 50
and older regularly screened for Colorectal cancer by 2018.
Napoleon, Ohio – Colorectal cancer screening has been proven to save
lives. Henry County Hospital today announced that it has made the pledge
to help increase colorectal cancer Screening rates by supporting the 80%
by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer
Roundtable (an organization co-founded by ACS and CDC).
Colorectal cancer is the nation's second-leading cause of cancer-related
deaths; however it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented.
Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove
hidden growths (called "polyps") in the colon, before they become
cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.
"80% by 2018" is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT)
initiative in which nearly two hundred organizations have committed to
eliminating colorectal cancer as a major public health problem and are
working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being
regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. Leading public health
organizations, such as ACS, CDC and the NCCRT are rallying organizations
to embrace this shared goal.
"Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem, and adults age
50 and older should be regularly screened for it, but we have found that
many people are not getting tested because they do not believe they are
at risk, do not understand that there are testing options or do not think
they can afford it," said Kimberly H. Bordenkircher, CEO of Henry
County Hospital. "The truth is that the vast majority of cases of
colorectal cancer occur in people age 50 and older. Colorectal cancer
in its' early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 50 and older
should get tested. There are several screening options- even take home
options – available. Plus, many public and private insurance plans
cover colorectal cancer screenings and there may be local resources available
to help those that are uninsured."
While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped 30 percent in the
U.S. over the last 10 years among adults 50 and older, it is still the
second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, despite being
highly preventable, detectable and treatable. In fact, in 2014 in the
U.S., 137,000 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed.
Part of the 80 percent by 2018 goal is to leverage the energy of multiple
and diverse partners to empower communities, patients, providers to increase
screening rates. The 80% by 2018 initiative consists of health care providers,
health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government,
non-profit organizations and patient advocacy groups who are committed
to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer to prevent more
cancers and save lives.
"We are thrilled to join the cause to improve colorectal cancer screening
rates, "said Kimberly H. Bordenkircher, CEO Henry County Hospital.
"We are asking all members of our community to come together and
help us by getting screened and talking to your friends and family who
are over 50 years of age about getting screened. Together, we can help
to eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health problem."
Kimberly H. Bordenkircher, CEO Henry County Hospital.
For more information or to learn about resources in your area, visit:
American Cancer Society
Henry County Hospital is a charitable, not for profit community hospital
offering a wide range of primary, acute, and rehabilitative services to
the residents of Henry County and the surrounding areas. Henry County
Hospital provides quality healthcare and wellness services while emphasizing
patient centered care and excellent customer service. To learn more visit
www.henrycountyhospital.org