New Hampshire Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (NHCRCSP) and “DRESS IN BLUE DAY” State of New Hampshire - Wellness Coordinators Susan Kuhn, MS, Primary Care Consultant, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Evie Taft, Volunteer and Key Contact, Dress In Blue Day

2009 – NH received CRC grant from CDC Increase high-quality CRC screening among persons 50 years and older to 80% statewide by 2014 Reduce disparities in CRC burden, screening and access to care, through the provision of free colonoscopies to uninsured low income NH residents NHCRCSP Goals

Reduce disparities in CRC by providing a limited number of screening or surveillance colonoscopies to eligible NH residents at contracted sites Secondary goal is to provide clients with an ongoing medical home NHCRCSP Free Colonoscopy

Colorectal Cancer Facts Second most common cause of death from cancer in the U.S. Only lung cancer is more common in men and women combined Almost all CRC begins as a polyp

Goals of Colorectal Cancer Screening It’s all about Prevention! Talk to your health care provider about your risk - ask which screening tests and when to begin Get screened regularly for colon cancer at age 50 or older See your physician promptly if screening shows a problem Get to and stay at a healthy weight Be physically active Limit the amount of alcohol you drink Don’t Smoke

Goals of Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early Detection If colorectal cancer is found at an early stage, individuals can have more than a 90% five year survival If colorectal cancer is found late, there may be less than 10% five year survival

Which CRC screening test ? Adults Age 50 to 75, Average Risk Screen with fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy Grade: A !

Recommendations for Screening Patients at Increased Risk Begin screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than age of relative at diagnosis, whichever comes first (unless hereditary syndrome in family) Test of choice is colonoscopy unless there are medical contraindications Hereditary syndromes managed by specialist

Barriers to Screening Patient lack of knowledge/awareness No clear provider recommendation Prep issues Financial Time off from work Transportation issues

“Dress In Blue Day” March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month March 4, 2011 is National “Dress In Blue Day” Goal is to raise awareness, promote screening

Dress In Blue Partners Employers, Healthcare Providers, Municipalities, State, the media, and more… Strategic Alliances with: DHHS - Division of Public Health Services NH Breast and Cervical Screening Program NH Comprehensive Cancer Plan NHPR for CRC Awareness Event

State of New Hampshire Dress in Blue Day (DIBD)-What you can do… Endorsement Letter from “Champion” Commissioner Letter from Commissioners to Department Heads “DIB” message on payroll stubs (DAS) Announcement in Newsletter (DAS) Set up Displays Hand Out “Ask Me Why…” Buttons Wear Blue! Attend “CRC Awareness Event at NHPR,” Concord

State of New Hampshire Dress in Blue Day - What we can do… Provide Sample Letter for Champion Commissioner Provide Flyers (in your folders) Provide Link to Resources – Wellness Web Site Provide “Dress in Blue Day” Buttons/Stickers Provide Tip Sheets (in your folders) Communicate with Key Designees

Together We Can… Raise Awareness Increase Screenings Prevent CRC Save Lives Meet NH 2014 Screening Goal of 80%!

Thank You!