March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining the rest of the country in recognizing March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to encourage people over the age of 50 to get screened for the disease.

“Most colorectal cancer cases are found in people over the age of 50,” stated DPH Commissioner Jewel Mullen. “Regular screening for colorectal cancer can help with early diagnosis, when treatment works best.”

According to state health officials, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among Connecticut men and women and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the state. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in people over the age of 50 years old, and health officials estimate that 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with regular screening.

“While the benefits of early screening are well known, 30 percent of Connecticut residents over the age of 50 have never been screened for this disease,” stated Dr Mullen.

To raise awareness and encourage colorectal cancer screening, DPH is conducting statewide and targeted education campaigns. Stay In The Game CT (www.StayInTheGameCT.com) is a web-based resource for information on colorectal cancer and cancer screenings. The website provides helpful tips about where and how people can get screened, what to expect at a screening, and other resources.

An education campaign in the greater Waterbury area complements the statewide campaign with advertising on public transit and community events. DPH plans to expand the targeted campaign to other areas in the state in the future.

No-cost colorectal cancer screenings are available to qualifying individuals at facilities throughout the state. For more information on colorectal cancer and screenings, visit www.ct.gov/dph/colorectal or call 860-509-7804.