Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign Launched

To Combat Leading Killer

HARTFORD — While Connecticut is the proud home of many top-ranked men’s and women’s sports teams, no one wants to have a top ranking when it comes to cancer. The state ranks 13th in the nation for new colon cancer rates for men and 11th for women.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health hopes to improve those “stats” with Stay In The Game CT, a new statewide media and public education campaign designed to increase awareness of colorectal cancer and promote cancer screenings among Connecticut residents age 50 and older.

According to state health officials, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in Connecticut men and the third most common cancer diagnosed in Connecticut women. It is also the third leading cause of cancer-related death in both Connecticut men and women.

While the benefits of early screening are well known, 30 percent of Connecticut residents over the age of 50 had never been screened by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in 2008.

Dr J. Robert Galvin, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, knows the importance of regular colorectal cancer screenings. “Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps — abnormal growths — in the colon or rectum,” Dr Galvin said. “Research shows that screening for colorectal cancer as recommended helps prevent this disease by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.”

Stay In The Game CT was designed around the idea that the best defense is a good offense — this is true in sports, and it is true when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer. After all, if detected early, colorectal cancer is highly curable, which makes screenings a great way to ensure that people “stay in the game” of life.

That is why Stay In The Game CT encourages people to get screened as soon as they turn 50 — or earlier for minorities who are even more at risk — and to continue getting screened regularly.

Dr Joe Anderson, a colorectal cancer expert at the UConn Health Center, says that everyone — not just people who might be genetically predisposed to the disease — needs to take charge of their colorectal health.

“Connecticut residents need to pay attention to the life-saving messages of the Stay In The Game CT colorectal cancer awareness campaign,” he said. “People think they don’t have to worry about colorectal cancer if they don’t have a family history. This is wrong. Everyone, starting at the age of 50, needs to get screened.”

Some of the “star players” from UConn Athletics will also be assisting Stay In The Game CT in spreading its message. The campaign includes such recognizable faces as UConn Women’s Basketball coaches Geno Auriemma and Chris Daily, who will be featured in public service announcements that will air statewide on television and radio stations through the end of 2010.

The “hub” of Stay In The Game CT is StayInTheGameCT.com. This website is a comprehensive source of information on colorectal cancer, cancer screenings, and resources, including helpful tips about where and how people can get screened, and what they can expect. The site also features an “Ask the Doctor” page, where visitors can anonymously submit their own colorectal health questions to Dr Anderson.

The website also includes an e-toolkit that health care providers can access to get information for their patients. Downloadable public service announcements, flyers, on-demand viewing of the Confronting Colorectal Cancer town meeting, contact information for colorectal cancer screening providers, and additional materials are available on the website to help health care professionals spread the word about the importance of getting screened.

Confronting Colorectal Cancer premieres on CPTV on Wednesday, March 24 at 8 pm, with rebroadcasts scheduled to air on Friday, March 26, at 10 pm, and Sunday, March, 28 at 2:30 pm.

The program will also be archived online at StayInTheGameCT.com. Confronting Colorectal Cancer will include an interactive panel discussion with expert health care providers about critical colorectal health issues.

During the program, viewers will be able to contribute their questions and comments to the discussion by calling 800-842-2788, or emailing stayinthegame@cptv.org. Also, a phone bank staffed by health care caseworkers will be on hand so that viewers with specific questions can receive professional, confidential assistance.

Local Experts Discuss Colon Cancer Prevention, Treatment

DANBURY — Danbury Hospital physician experts in gastroenterology and colorectal surgery cordially invite the public to attend a community health and wellness program on Wednesday, March 24, from 7 to 8:30 pm. The program, “Protect Your Bottom Line: The Latest in Colon Cancer Prevention and Treatment,” takes place in the Gerard D. Robilotti Conference Center at Danbury Hospital. Park free in the Blue Visitor’s Parking Lot, Hospital Avenue entrance.

Featured speakers will be Stuart Bussell, MD, Danbury Hospital Department of Surgery, director of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Program, and Steven Gorelick, MD, Danbury Hospital Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology.

Joseph Fiorito, MD, chief of gastroenterology, will facilitate the evening program.

“Protect Your Bottom Line: The Latest in Colon Cancer Prevention and Treatment” provides a comprehensive overview of the signs, symptoms, and latest treatment of colon cancer, and explains how early detection and being proactive about an individual’s health can positively impact colorectal health.

Participants are invited to ask the doctor in a question and answer session with the featured speakers. A prize giveaway drawing, program-focused materials, and light refreshments will be provided.

To register for this free event, call toll-free 866-374-0007.

For information about colon cancer awareness and screening, visit DanburyHospital.org.