JACKSON —  More Mississippians die of colorectal cancer than anywhere else in the nation, according to the National Cancer Institute’s 2022 State Cancer Profiles. During March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health is emphasizing the importance of prevention and early detection in lowering risk and prolonging life.

 

An estimated 1,700 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in the state, and 630 people die from it each year. Black males are 32% more likely to develop the disease than white males, and Black females are 15% more likely to develop it than white females. Even worse, 61% of newly diagnosed cases are identified in the late stages, when they are less able to be treated.

 

“Addressing these disparities requires targeted efforts to improve access to care, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance colorectal cancer screening opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” said MSDH Chronic Disease Epidemiologist Sudheer Koutha.

 

The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable since it typically develops from polyps that can be detected and removed before becoming cancerous. Yet only 3 out of 5 adults aged 45 to 75 had received at least one of the recommended colorectal cancer tests, according to 2022 data.

 

“Having inherited the predisposition to colon cancer from my father, whom we lost to the disease at age 56, it is unacceptable that our state leads the nation in colon cancer deaths,” said Dr. Dan Edney, MSDH executive director and state health officer. “This is a preventable disease if everyone has proper access to care and seeks screening. We must do all we can do to reduce these preventable deaths.”

 

Men and women at average risk should begin regular screening at age 45. Those at a greater risk may need to be screened earlier. Simple lifestyle habits such as incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into daily meals, quitting smoking, engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, and reducing alcohol consumption can also significantly decrease risk.

 

“MSDH offers a variety of resources and support to high-risk communities to promote colorectal cancer screening by improving access to care,” said Catherine Young, director of the Mississippi Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. “We partner with many rural-based health clinics across the state and with mobile screening units to educate individuals regarding healthy nutrition and the importance of screening in controlling burden.”

 

For more information about cancer resources, visit msdh.ms.gov/crcscreening.