State Awarded Grant to Start Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

Press Release

State Awarded Grant to Start Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

Gov. Mike Rounds announced today that South Dakota will develop a statewide colorectal screening program with the help of a $600,000 federal grant.

"Among cancer deaths in South Dakota, colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer," the Governor said. "This grant will help us make it easier for people to access essential lifesaving cancer screenings."
The new program will cover colorectal screening costs for men and women over the age of 50 who meet certain income guidelines.

Gov. Rounds said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the grant to the state Department of Health for a colorectal screening program modeled on the agency's All Women Count! breast and cervical cancer screening program. South Dakota's grant was one of 26 awarded.

The state's successful application involved many partners. Each of the Tribal Councils in the state passed resolutions supporting cancer screening. Avera Queen of Peace, Avera McKennan, the SanfordCancerCenter, and the JohnT.VurcurevichCancerCenter each pledged to provide cancer treatment support. The Beckman Coulter Company contributed to a screening pilot program that led to the application. The Comprehensive Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society also were actively involved.

"This kind of broad partnership is unique to South Dakota and is a real credit to each organization that is participating in the screening program," Gov. Rounds said. "We're grateful to all the partners who helped make this service possible."

From 2002-2006 in South Dakota, there were 485 new colorectal cancer cases and 165 deaths each year, on average. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age; 93% of cases in South Dakota occur in those who are 50 or older. Modifiable risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, diets high in red or processed meats, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women be screened for colorectal cancer, beginning at age 50. Available testing includes fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy, among others. Doctors should be consulted by individuals about the tests that are right for them and how often they should have them.

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