Story Behind the Curve: Colorectal cancer is the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Connecticut men and women, accounting for almost 1 in 13 cancers diagnosed. The age-standardized incidence rate of colorectal cancer in Connecticut men and women has been in decline since 1999, falling from 62 cases per 100,000 persons to 35 cases per 100,000 persons in 2016. This decline is due largely to the use of colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into invasive disease. 

Date of next data update: Aug 15th, 2024

Potential Partners

• American Cancer Society
• Connecticut Department of Social Services
• Office of the Healthcare Advocate
• Hospitals
• Local public health agencies
• Federally-qualified health centers
• Health care providers
• Health professional associations
• Health insurers
• Connecticut Cancer Partnership
• Community-based organizations
• Faith-based organizations

Early detection of colorectal cancer through screening (i.e., FOBT/FIT test, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy) has been determined to reduce mortality. Screening tests can find cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear, when it can be treated more easily. In addition to detecting cancer early, screening for colorectal cancer can prevent these cancers by identifying colorectal polyps that can be removed.

To ensure that individuals who are age-appropriate receive the needed screening services, the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends:

• evidence-based client reminder systems
• small media targeted at specific populations in selected geographic locations
• one-on-one education
• reducing structural barriers that prevent individuals from getting colorectal cancer screening
• evidence-based health care provider reminder systems
• evidence-based health care provider assessment and feedback systems

Potential Strategies

• Conduct public education and outreach initiatives to educate all individuals about the advantages of colorectal cancer screening, as well as risks and how to access screening services
• Collaborate with large health systems to implement evidence-based client reminder systems, and provider assessment and feedback systems to improve referrals for colorectal cancer screening
• Utilize community health workers to conduct one-on-one and group education about the importance of colorectal cancer screening at regular intervals, and to assist with reducing structural barriers
• Collaborate with partners to increase availability of no-cost or low-cost colonoscopies