According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among both men and women as well as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Survival from colorectal cancer is more than 90 percent when it is diagnosed before it has extended beyond the intestinal wall. It is estimated for 2011 that there will be 10,604 expected news cases and 3,721 expected deaths from colon, rectum and rectosigmoid junction cancer in Texas.
Cancer incidence data have been provided by the Texas Cancer Registery, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, located at 1100 N. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/tcr/default.shtm or (512) 458-7523.
Texas Medical Association (TMA) conducted a survey of nearly 900 primary care physicians in Texas regarding their beliefs and practices on colorectal cancer. Results indicate that:
- 91 percent believe colorectal cancer is a preventable disease.
- 83 percent report the use of Fecal Occult Blood Test with asymptomatic, average risk patients age 50+.
- 71 percent report the use of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with asymptomatic, average risk patients age 50+.
With these screening methods designed to detect colon polyps (tissue growth) before they become cancerous, physicians have powerful tools at their disposal to prevent colorectal cancer.
To assist you in maintaining or improving your screening practices, check out the recently revised Colorectal Cancer Guidelines . In addition, TMA's Physician Oncology Education Program (POEP) provides the following resources to assist Texas physicians in their efforts to improve screening and prevent colorectal cancer.
ACS SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER POCKETGUIDE
A durable, laminated pocketguide with screening recommendations for the early detection of colorectal cancer, as well as breast, cervix, endometrium, and prostate cancers. Fits neatly into coat pocket. Also suitable for distribution to your patients.
Contact POEP at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1469, or POEP for more information or to order materials.
For Additional Information on Colorectal Cancer:
Action Plan Colorectal Cancer for the State of Texas
http://www.cprit.state.tx.us/colonplan/introduction.html
American Cancer Society
(800) ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
TMA Physician Oncology Education Program
(800) 880-1300, ext. 1672
www.poep.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal /
Medicare Coverage Guidelines for Colorectal CancerScreening
http://www.medicare.gov/Health/ColonCancer.asp
National Cancer Institute - Colon & Rectal Cancer Home Page
(800) 4- CANCER http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
(877) 35-COLON
www.preventcancer.org/colorectal/
New Texas Colorectal Cancer Screening Coverage Mandate
Polyp Man Campaign to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/conditions/01/30/polyp.man.ad/
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
(512) 463-3190
http://www.cprit.state.tx.us/
Texas Cancer Information
(713) 792-2277
http://www.texascancer.info/
Texas Department of State HealthServices(DSHS)
(512) 458-7111
www.dshs.state.tx.us
Texas Society for Gastroenterology
(512) 370-1533
www.tsge.org