Cancer Support Community (CSC) at Gilda’s Club has launched a program focused on the importance of colorectal cancer awareness and screening, and is conducting comprehensive outreach, advocacy and education within local African American and Latino communities. They are taking the lead to promote timely cancer screening, with significant awareness efforts in communities of color, where there are greater disparities in health-related services, by offering free colorectal cancer rapid screening kits. Both Common Ground Health and Ibero-American Action League have partnered with CSC to help distribution of the kits.
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer overall in both men and women in the U.S. and accounts for 9% of all cancer-related deaths. It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. Racial/ethnic disparities in the incidence of colorectal cancer, stage at diagnosis, and mortality have been seen in recent program data provided by the Cancer Statistics Explorer Network. According to the American Cancer Society, African American men and women are 44% and 31% (respectively) more likely to die from colon cancer due to later diagnosis.
“Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club is focused on addressing health disparities around cancer preventative health and colon cancer screenings, providing self-patient advocacy and decreasing cultural fears of healthcare within local communities of color,” stated Chief Executive Director, James Love. “Through this effort we are committed to creating greater awareness of the importance of timely screenings; helping to increase earlier detections of colon cancer, and providing additional support for individuals who test positive and have no primary care physician and/or health insurance. We want to also stress that regardless of the rapid screening result, the FIT Kits are not a substitute for discussing health matters with your physician or for a colonoscopy.”
The Second Generation FIT Kits aid in the detection of colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, colitis, and colon polyps. Timely screening is the most effective way to diagnose cancer in the earlier stages when treatment works best. The rapid screening FIT kits are noninvasive, easy to use, and provide results within four to seven minutes. Some qualifying factors to receive a rapid screening kit include the individual being 45 to 80 years of age; provide contact information for a follow up call to address any questions; and the individual must not have had a recent colonoscopy.
For more information about the Colorectal Cancer FIT Kits offered by Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club or to receive one, contact Don Armstrong, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at 585-438-1700. Kits will be distributed while supplies last.
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