Sky Ridge Joins Forces With Hundreds of Local and National Organizations to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

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Mar 30, 2017, 06:00 ET

LONE TREE, Colo., March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Sky Ridge Medical Center took the pledge to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (a coalition co-founded by ACS and CDC).

Colorectal cancer is the nation's third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. when men and women are combined; however, it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through screenings, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called "polyps") in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing these polyps can prevent cancer.

"80% by 2018" is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) initiative and the goal is to leverage the energy of multiple, diverse partners to empower communities, patients and providers to increase screening rates to 80% for adults aged 50 and older. According to NCCRT, the initiative can prevent 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths by 2030.

"The truth is that simply aging puts you at greater risk for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 50 and older should get screened. There are several screening options – even take home kits – available today," said Susan Hicks, CEO, Sky Ridge. "We are asking all members of our community to get screened and talk to their loved ones and friends about the importance of early detection. Together, we can help make the reduction of colorectal cancer a major public health success story."

Many public and private insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening. During the 9Health Fair on Saturday, April 29 from 7:00 a.m. to Noon at Sky Ridge Medical Center, low-cost colorectal cancer screening kits and education will be available. Register at https://www.9healthfair.org/.

Media Contact:

Linda Watson

Director of Marketing & PR

720-979-7422

[email protected]

About Sky Ridge Medical Center

Sky Ridge Medical Center is a member of the HealthONE network. We work together to provide a higher level of care. Visit www.skyridgemedcenter.com to learn more.

Related Files

Colon Cancer Press Release.pdf

Colorectal Cancer_Get Screened.pdf

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SOURCE Sky Ridge Medical Center