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I recently read state Sen. Marianne Moore’s column in the Bangor Daily News on the importance of prioritizing early screenings for cancer. Having experienced multiple cancer battles within my family, I couldn’t agree more.
Breast cancer has a 99% five-year survival rate when it’s diagnosed and treated early. Thanks to the persistence of countless women and doctors, now nearly 80% of women are up-to-date on breast cancer screening, but our fight against cancer doesn’t end there. There are still 50 million eligible Americans neglecting screening for the nation’s second-deadliest cancer: colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is aggressive, but also highly treatable when caught early. If treated before it spreads, patients have an over 90% five-year survival rate. It’s time we get serious about screening Mainers for colorectal cancer.
Moore’s column discussed the importance of regular screenings, like colonoscopies, but also highlighted Shield, a new blood-based screening option that is recommended as a first-line indication for anyone at average risk, 45 and up. This is exciting because colonoscopies, like mammograms, can be uncomfortable, and people have a habit of putting off uncomfortable things.
More accessible screening options give us one more way to get more people tested early, and with more people screening regularly, we may finally have a chance to end the devastation and heartache cancer causes families.
This holiday season, don’t take the gift of health for granted. If you’re 45 or older or have a family history of cancer, talk to your doctor and get screened for colorectal cancer today.
Robert Caverly
Chelsea