The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) by providing funding to 22 states and four tribal organizations across the United States for five years. The CRCCP's goal is to increase colorectal (colon) cancer screening rates among men and women aged 50 years and older from about 64% to 80% in the funded states by 2014. An increase in screening rates will reduce illness and death caused by colorectal cancer.

Purposes of the program are to:

• Increase the percentage of Pennsylvanians screened for colorectal cancer through system change in physician's offices.
• Provide public education on colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
• Reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates.
• Provide colorectal cancer screening to a limited number of eligible individuals residing in Philadelphia County through the Philadelphia Department of Health.

System Change

The Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is working with the Governor's Office of Health Care Reform to implement a practice-based quality improvement program. Through a contract with the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), PAFP will work with family physician practices to implement system changes to increase colorectal cancer screening among men and women age 50 and older in their practices.

Colorectal Cancer Education

The Department of Health's Pennsylvania Cancer Education Network (PCEN) will be providing evidenced-based colorectal education to Pennsylvania residents.

Evaluation

Drexel University School of Public Health will be evaluating the intervention for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Where are screening services available?

Philadelphia County Department of Public Health, Health Centers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.

Who is eligible for colorectal cancer screening?

• Men and women between the ages of 50 and 64 years.
• Low income (up to 250% of the Federal poverty level) and have inadequate or no health insurance.
• Average risk for colorectal cancer.
• Reside in Philadelphia County.

Approximate number of people who can be screened: 350

To see if you are eligible for the screening program, contact:

Philadelphia County Department of Health (215)685-6560

Department of Health contact:

Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (717)787-5251

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Colorectal Cancer - cancer of the colon or rectum - is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Pennsylvania. In 2006, 2,822 people in Pennsylvania died of colorectal cancer (1,365 men and 1,457 women).

Colorectal cancer screening - can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure. If everyone aged 50 or older had regular screening tests and all precancerous polyps were removed, as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.