Buffalo Colon Corps
Working collaboratively to promote and strengthen awareness, acceptance and support for colorectal health through innovative strategies.
Getting Involved
Overview
who we are
We are working to promote colorectal health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage colorectal health screening. Buffalo Colon Corps is also developing connections within the colorectal patient and caregiver communities to facilitate knowledge of and access to available support by improving the reach and effectiveness of established resources and networks.
what we do
We are actively developing awareness campaigns designed to inform targeted populations and demographics about the importance of colorectal health screening and what patient support options are available.
Why we do it
Why We Do It
3rd most common type
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death despite being one of the most preventable and treatable cancers with proper screening. Our aim is to drastically reduce colorectal health concerns through collaborative and innovative strategies.
2nd leading cause of cancer
We know that colon cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and 23 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 are not being regularly screened. We also know that those who are still unscreened are those who are the most difficult to reach.
lifetime risk
Approximately 4.6% of men (1 in 22) and 4.2% of women (1 in 24) will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime. Lifetime risk is similar in men and women despite higher incidence rates in men because women have longer life expectancy.
sceening utilization
Despite the large body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of CRC screening and the availability of a variety of test options, screening utilization for CRC remains lower than for breast and cervical cancers.
What You Need to Know
Colon cancer screening can significantly lower the risk of advanced colorectal cancer and death,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. Colorectal cancer is largely treatable when detected in the early stages, but it must be found in time. Unfortunately, due to low screening rates, fewer than 40% of cases are caught early.
In some cases, the screening can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer by finding polyps (abnormal growths) which can be removed before they become cancerous.