Colorectal cancer is a major killer across the United States. And because of some unique Louisiana factors, it’s even more deadly here, giving us one of the highest death rates from the disease in the country.
Catch colorectal cancer early and it’s almost always survivable, which is why everyone 45 and older must be screened regularly. LCP works on breaking down the barriers that keep people from getting screened, which is especially important here since African Americans and Cajuns have higher rates of the disease. Plus, our high rates of tobacco and obesity – which are also risk factors – result in more colorectal cancer.
We are constantly looking for ways to prevent colorectal cancer in our state. We have efforts ranging from awareness to policy and systems-level work to raise colorectal cancer screening rates in Louisiana. If you want to teach people more about the disease, ask about our using our large inflatable colon (that you can walk through!) or our smaller colon walls.
Our quality improvement efforts work towards increasing colorectal cancer screening rates at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) throughout the state. FQHCs face a mountain of obstacles in providing quality health care to their low-income patients who – in addition to not having enough money – often don’t have transportation, time off from work, child care, and sometimes even an understanding of how the system works.
However, thanks to the guidance and resources LCP is providing, quality improvements – such as better software and simplified patient prep instructions – are being made and screening rates are improving. How do we know? Louisiana’s FQHC screening rate, which usually lags behind the national average, is now outpacing it. Contact us to find out how LCP is bringing about these changes.
LCP is a lead partner in Louisiana Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (LCCRT), which like its national namesake – the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable – works to increase screening rates. LCP, along with the American Cancer Society, the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center (at LSU Health Shreveport), and several of its partners started the LCCRT in 2015. The LCCRT issues a legislative report each year that outlines the problem, data, progress, barriers and recommendations. To see the latest report, click here.
Since the LCCRT’s recent inception, it has had a tremendous impact. It’s helped reduced colonoscopy waiting times at a major Louisiana hospital, helped jump-start screening rates among doctors, and took on a regional lead role hosting the Southeastern Colorectal Cancer Consortium’s 2018 Annual Conference in New Orleans.
Louisiana has the 6th highest colorectal cancer death rate in the United States. That is because we have a high-risk population and not enough people getting screened.
The reasons for this are not yet understood, but genetic factors (which are passed down in your family) may play a role. People who have a family history of the disease or are in a high-risk group should talk with their doctor if they need to be screened earlier than age 45.
Smoking and overeating are risk factors. Specifically, eating processed and red meat has been shown to cause colorectal cancer. There are several risk factors within your control. Learn more on the Risk Factors page.
Experts agree everyone 45 and over should start getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer. This drop in the recommended screening age (it used to be 50) is due to the increase in younger people getting the disease.
If more of us get screened, we can drop Louisiana’s high death rate by catching cancer early when it’s easier to treat. There are a variety of ways to be screened – from a colonoscopy to inexpensive take-home tests. And remember “The best test is the one you’re going to get!”
Preventive colorectal cancer screenings are covered for patients 45 and older under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare). * Be aware that you may be charged with “diagnostic” fees at your first colonoscopy. Check with your insurance company about all possible fees beforehand to avoid unexpected charges. *there are a few grandfathered exceptions.
From inexpensive, at-home tests to medical-facility-based screenings – It doesn’t matter which one you choose. What’s most important is that you get screened reglularly. Always remember: “The best test is the one you’re going to get!”
Stool-based tests look for signs of colorectal cancer and are often inexpensive and easy-to-do at home. They are done annually and if the test comes back positive, you will need a colonoscopy. These tests include the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) and the Guaic-Based Fecal Occult Blood test (gFOBT). A stool DNA can also help detect colorectal cancer, with Cologuard being the only test available at this time that tests for both DNA changes and blood in the stool.
Visual/structural exams require looking inside the colon and rectum for signs of colorectal cancer and need to be done by a doctor. They are done less often, but require more preparation. These tests include colonoscopy, CT colonoscopy, a CT colonoscopy, and Flexible sigmoidoscopy which are done every 10 years.
For a more complete list of colorectal screenings and their pros and cons, see the American Cancer Society’s explanation.
If you have a family history and/or are showing symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible about getting screened.
Symptoms include:
Every five years, we partner with other state health organizations to produce the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (aka “The State Cancer Plan”). This extensive document contains statistics on preventable cancers, as well as screening recommendations, goals, objectives, and strategies to beat cancer. Download a copy here.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry (LTR) is one of the top-ranked cancer registries in the United States. Housed at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health (alongside us here at LCP), LTR provides the figures that informs national cancer data and funding, shapes policy, and informs research. For specific data on colorectal cancer in Louisiana, visit their site.
LHCCs are grassroots organizations working locally to help communities make healthy choices. Chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are what most people die of – and tobacco use and obesity are the leading causes of chronic disease. Louisiana communities are deciding for themselves how they want to fight chronic disease and we are there to help. LCP provides resources to these grassroots organizations, whether they’re trying to go smoke-free or creating more bike lanes. Learn More on the Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition site.
We make sure women who qualify get no-cost mammograms and the help they need to get screened (including financial help and transportation). We also provide online support to young breast cancer survivors and their caregivers. In addition, we educate women, providers, legislators, and others around the state to beat breast cancer in Louisiana.
Learn MoreNo one should ever die from cervical cancer, which is why we provide no-cost Pap tests to Louisiana women who qualify. We also educate people at all levels – including parents, doctors, the general public and more – to make sure boys and girls are getting the HPV vaccine to prevent cancers (including cervical) after they’re grown.
Learn MoreCatch colorectal cancer early and it’s more than 90% survivable. That’s why everyone 45 and over should be screened. But Louisiana has a special problem with the disease and that is why everyone should learn why we are more vulnerable and what we at LCP are doing about it.
Learn MoreLung cancer is the easiest cancer to prevent. So why is it the #1 cancer killer in Louisiana? More than 80% of lung cancers are caused by smoking, and that includes those killed by secondhand smoke. Learn how to quit, the dangers of secondhand smoke and e-cigs, and what we can do to save ourselves!
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