Colorectal Cancer: 80% Screening Rate Goal & Declining Incidence

Washington, D.C. Saw a significant gathering on March 17, 2014, as dozens of organizations committed to a unified goal: eliminating colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. This collaborative effort was spurred by new data highlighting the positive impact of increased colorectal cancer screening and the launch of an initiative aiming to reach an 80% national screening rate by 2018. The event, organized by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underscored a growing momentum in the fight against this often-preventable cancer.

Declining Incidence Rates Linked to Colonoscopy Uptake

Data released at the event revealed a 30% decrease in colon cancer incidence rates over the past decade among adults aged 50 and older in the U.S. This decline is directly attributed to the wider adoption of colonoscopy as a screening method. The study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, showed the most substantial reductions occurred in individuals over 65, with the rate of decline accelerating from 3.6% annually between 2001-2008 to 7.2% annually between 2008-2010. Researchers believe this acceleration is linked to increased screening rates among Medicare beneficiaries due to universal insurance coverage. Colonoscopy use itself nearly tripled between 2000 and 2010, rising from 19% to 55% among adults aged 50 to 75. The full study provides detailed methodology and statistical analysis.

This positive trend fueled the commitment of over 50 organizations to actively work towards increasing national colorectal cancer screening rates to 80% within the next four years. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the potential for early detection and prevention, recognizing that colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men, and women.

A Multi-Sector Approach to Improve Screening Rates

The launch event at the National Press Club featured a diverse range of speakers, including representatives from the White House, the American Cancer Society, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Gastroenterology. Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of knowing the available screening options, stating, “Everyone should know there are several lifesaving screening tests – and the best test is the one that gets done.”

The collaborative effort extends beyond medical organizations. Participants include community health centers, represented by Gary Wiltz, M.D., chair of the National Association of Community Health Centers, and retail pharmacy chains like Walgreens, with Jeffrey Kang, M.D., M.P.H., senior vice president of Health and Wellness Services and Solutions, contributing to the initiative. AARP, represented by Debra Whitman, Ph.D., also pledged support, recognizing the importance of reaching older adults.

Addressing Disparities in Screening Access

While overall screening rates are improving, significant disparities persist. Individuals less likely to be screened include Hispanic populations, those aged 50-64, men, American Indian or Alaska Natives, people living in rural areas, and those with lower education and income levels. A CDC report highlighted that approximately one in three adults aged 50 to 75 have not been tested for colorectal cancer as recommended by leading health organizations. The CDC’s colorectal cancer page provides detailed information on risk factors and prevention.

Several screening test options are available, including colonoscopy, stool tests (guaiac fecal occult blood test [FOBT] or fecal immunochemical test [FIT]), and flexible sigmoidoscopy. The choice of test should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual risk factors and preferences.

The Role of Early Detection and Prevention

CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., underscored the potential for preventing suffering and deaths through increased screening rates. “We can prevent a much larger proportion of suffering and deaths from colorectal cancer,” he stated. “We must do more to ensure men and women get screened for colorectal cancer according to the guidelines. Testing saves lives, but only if people are tested.” This year alone, an estimated 137,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and another 50,000 will succumb to the disease. Reaching the 80% screening rate goal could significantly reduce these numbers.

One challenge identified is a lack of awareness among both patients and providers regarding all available screening options. Many healthcare systems are not currently equipped to facilitate widespread screening and follow-up care. The 80% by 2018 initiative aims to address these barriers by empowering patients, providers, community health centers, and health systems to deliver coordinated, quality care.

Leveraging Collaboration and Reducing Barriers

Richard Wender, M.D., chair of the NCCRT and chief cancer control officer of the American Cancer Society, emphasized the unprecedented level of collaboration driving this effort. “What we have is one of the great combined public health commitments I have seen in my career,” he said. “Each organization brings passion, competence, and creativity to our shared effort.” He also noted that changes in the healthcare landscape, including increased access to care and broader insurance coverage for screening, are helping to reduce common barriers.

Dr. Wender concluded on a celebratory note, acknowledging the progress made in reducing colon cancer cases over the past decade and reaffirming the collective commitment to saving even more lives in the years to come. Organizations interested in joining the 80% by 2018 effort can find more information on the NCCRT website.

What’s Next: Ongoing Monitoring and Adaptation

The NCCRT continues to monitor screening rates and adapt strategies based on emerging data. The initial 80% by 2018 goal has evolved into ongoing efforts to improve screening rates and reduce disparities. The Roundtable regularly convenes stakeholders to share best practices, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions. The American Cancer Society’s press releases section provides updates on ongoing initiatives and research findings related to colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.