Story Behind the Curve: Colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in Connecticut men and women, accounting for 1 in 13 cancer deaths. The age-standardized mortality rate of colorectal cancer has been decreasing since 2000, falling from 22 deaths per 100,000 persons in 2000 to 11 deaths per 100,000 persons in 2016. The fall in colorectal cancer mortality rates is due largely to colonoscopy screening, which 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. In addition to detecting cancer early, screening for colorectal cancer can prevent these cancers by identifying colorectal polyps that can be removed. Individuals should consult with their physician to determine what screening interval is appropriate for their situation.

To ensure that all 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 appropriate intervals, to assist with reducing structural barriers, and to provide support during treatment
• Utilize clinical health navigators to provide care coordination and patient navigation services to help all individuals with positive results get appropriate follow-up care, to assist with reducing structural barriers related to that follow-up care, and to provide support during treatment
• Collaborate with partners to increase availability of no-cost or low-cost colonoscopies, and funding resources for treatment costs