Colon Cancer Free Zone — Coming Soon to Rochester

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

ROCHESTER, Minn. — City of Rochester employees have a chance to participate in one of the first efforts in the state to further the goals of the Minnesota Cancer Plan, published in 2005. Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota Colon and Rectal Cancer Foundation have joined to provide information and assistance aimed at developing a Colon Cancer Free Zone (CCFZ) in Rochester.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States as well as in Minnesota. Approximately 75 percent of CRC cases occur among individuals with no known risk factors other than age. Mayo researchers are studying the effect of focused educational efforts on screening rates. They hope to determine adherence rates and barriers to CRC screening, and measure the effects of workplace intervention — with the goal of improving adherence to American Cancer Society recommendations for screening at age 50 and beyond.

"Colorectal cancer is preventable if people get screened and have appropriate follow-up," says Paul Limburg, M.D., M.P.H., Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and lead investigator of the study. "We hope to build an education and prevention model here in Rochester that will be useful for communities throughout the state and beyond."

City of Rochester employees received letters inviting them to participate in the study, and asking for baseline information, including their previous screening history and demographic information. "I have my study questionnaire ready to go," says Mayor Ardell Brede. "It makes sense that we would come together to develop this program in the home of one of the top cancer-fighting institutions in the world, and I encourage all employees to take part in this study and to get screened." Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the city's first annual health fair, employees will be given the opportunity to ask the CCFZ team questions about colorectal cancer and screening options. The CCFZ team will continue after the event to use targeted educational interventions to reach out to employees who sign up for the study, encouraging them to obtain an appropriate CRC screening.

"We would like 100 percent compliance," says Dr. Limburg. "This is an important health issue, and hopefully we can help people understand the reasons why they should get screened, and then get them in the door." He says that in addition to the recommended screening age, individuals should consider their own risk factors, such as a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, physical inactivity or inflammatory bowel disease.

Other Mayo Clinic researchers involved in this study are Sheryl Ness and Kristin Negley. They are joined by Cindy Iverson of the Minnesota Colon and Rectal Cancer Foundation. Rochester City Council member Marcia Marcoux helped make the program available to City employees.

For more information on colon cancer, visit MayoClinic.com (opens in a new window).

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