The Colorectal Cancer Workgroup of the New Mexico Cancer Council works collaboratively to further the goals of the New Mexico Cancer Plan and to align efforts with the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s 80% in Every Community campaign. For more information about joining the workgroup or to request colorectal cancer resources, technical assistance or support, please contact Prajatka Adsul at padsul@salud.unm.edu.
- Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in New Mexico and the United States.
- Every year in New Mexico, about 800 new cases of invasive colorectal cancer are diagnosed and more than 300 deaths are caused by colorectal cancer.
- Colorectal cancer screening saves lives in two ways: first; precancerous polyps are found during screening and can be removed before they turn into cancer; second, colorectal cancer found early has a better response to treatment.
There are several screening options available to you. Talk to your doctor about when to start screening and which testing option is best for you.
Many preventive services, including colorectal cancer screening, are covered by insurance. If you need assistance getting coverage, visit the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace (https://www.healthcare.gov), or apply for Medicaid (http://www.hsd.state.nm.us) or Medicare (https://www.medicare.gov).
For more information about colorectal cancer, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/index.htm
For information about the most current, evidence-based screening guidelines, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/