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 | May 2, 2008
Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Targets At-Risk Patients
Colorectal Cancer disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged populations
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - HealthPartners gastroenterologists have scheduled more than 25 free colon cancer screenings for uninsured patients on Sat., May 3 at the HealthPartners Specialty Center, 435 Phalen Blvd. in St. Paul. HealthPartners Medical Group, Regions Hospital, the American Cancer Society, the Minnesota Colon Cancer Coalition and the Minnesota Department of Healths Sage Screening Program are sponsoring the free screening day.
Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.; however, it disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged populations. In Minnesota, doctors diagnose 2,500 people with colorectal cancer each year and 900 die from the disease.
"Colorectal cancer screening requires patients to prepare for the procedure and sometimes to travel to a different facility than their home clinic, which can be a hardship for some patients," said Irshad Jafri, M.D. department head of gastroenterology and hepatology for the HealthPartners Medical Group. Dr. Jafri said these factors, as well as language, socio-economic and other barriers, could contribute to lower screening rates among some groups, resulting in health disparities.
"We do all we can to educate people about the importance of being screened, but not everyone has the insurance to cover the cost", said Matt Flory, Minnesota Health Promotions Director for the American Cancer Society. "HealthPartners has provided the leadership to help us extend our reach and discover the depth of the problem."
According the Minnesota Department of Health, improving the use of cancer screening among populations that are underserved due to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and lack of health insurance is a key to reducing the unequal burden cancer has on these populations.
A 2006-2007 study at HealthPartners Clinics revealed disparities between racial groups and on the percentage of patients who had received recommended screenings for colorectal cancer with people of color receiving the test less often than the white population.
To help improve cancer screening rates among underserved populations, HealthPartners clinics are testing the use of patient videos in patients' native languages and making culturally specific information on a patient's risk factors for disease available to doctors through the electronic medical record; Doctors can share then share this information with patients.
HealthPartners and the American Cancer Society are also collaborating on a number of initiatives to improve cancer screening:
- A legislative initiative to create a colorectal cancer screening program for uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans.
-Involving HealthPartners physicians and nurses in ACS outreach efforts to diverse communities.
- Promoting ACS community-based education events through HealthPartners clinics
- Making information on ACS resources available to patients at HealthPartners clinics who decline cancer screening, as an avenue for the patient to seek advice or information outside of HealthPartners
Founded in 1957, the HealthPartners (www.healthpartners.com) family of health care companies serve more than one million medical and dental health plan members nationwide. It is the largest consumer-governed, nonprofit health care organization in the nation, providing care, coverage, research and education to improve the health of members, patients and the community. For the third year in a row, HealthPartners is rated one of the best commercial health plans in the nation by U.S.News & World Report/ NCQA's "America's Best Health Plans 2007."
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Contacts: Joe Dangor 952-883-5223
Pager: 612-613-4527
Jennifer Kovacich 651-254-4726
Pager 651-629-0411
Janis Rannow 651-255-8137
Janis.Rannow@cancer.org
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