Despite great technological advances in
medicine, colon cancer rates in Poweshiek County remain above state
average. To improve screening rates and potentially reduce the rate of
colorectal cancer, Grinnell Regional Public Health received a grant to fund education
and distribution of a free testing kit to area residents.
According to the American Cancer Society, only half of
the eligible population receives the tests that they should for colorectal
cancer screening. The goal for the grant is to increase knowledge of rural
residents in the GRMC service area about colorectal screening as evidenced by
pre- and post-program surveys.
The Iowa Cancer Consortium funded this grant to be implemented
by Grinnell Regional Public Health, which plans to host educational
presentations throughout the county over the next eight months. Funds are
available to distribute free screening kits to attendees of the presentations
on colorectal cancer awareness. Results of the screening will be returned to
the participant as well as their primary care provider. If a participant does
not have a primary care provider, the results will be sent to Grinnell Regional
Internal Medicine physician Lauren Graham for follow up, if needed.
“Iowa Cancer Consortium is seeking educational models to
improve colorectal screening rates in rural populations,” says Patty Hinrichs,
director of GRPH and principal coordinator for the grant. “We will measure
number of kits distributed and returned to the public health office as well as
responses to a survey about screening history. Our work will help Iowa Cancer
Consortium create best practices for other rural areas to improve screening and
cancer prevention practices. This is exciting to be on the front edge of this
public health issue and to have a direct impact on cancer prevention.”
During the educational program, a public health nurse
will explain the different annual screening options as well as appropriate
timing for colonoscopies.
“Colorectal cancer is one of those cancers that we
should not see many cases in our county because with screenings the pre-cancer
growth can be removed prior to cancer development. Colorectal screenings can
have a profound impact on the health of our residents,” Hinrichs says.
The American Cancer Society states that in many cases,
colorectal cancer can be prevented. Still, it’s one of the five most common
cancers in men and women in the United States.
Any Poweshiek County area service club, church group,
or community group that wishes to host a program on colorectal cancer education
may contact the Grinnell Regional Public Health office at 641-236-2585.
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