Health Indicator Report of Colon Cancer Incidence

Notes

Cancer sites include Colon (excluding rectum) and Rectum, Rectosigmoid Junction.   Age-adjusted to U.S. 2000 population.

Data Source

The cancer data was provided by the Utah Cancer Registry, which is funded by contract HHSN2612013000171 from the National Cancer Institute's SEER Program with additional support from the Utah Department of Health and the University of Utah

Definition

The rate of colon cancer incidence in Utah per 100,000 population. [Cancer sites include Colon (excluding rectum) and Rectum, Rectosigmoid Junction.]

Numerator

The number of incidents of colon cancer among Utah residents for a given time period. [Cancer sites include Colon (excluding rectum) and Rectum, Rectosigmoid Junction.]

Denominator

The population of Utah or U.S. for a specific time period.

How Are We Doing?

Utah's rate of colorectal cancer reached an all time low in 2010 (30.7 per 100,000 population) and experienced a nonsignificant increase in 2011 (31.8 per 100,000 population). Utah women were less likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer than men. In 2011 there were 29.1 diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer per 100,000 females compared to 34.9 cases per 100,000 males. Between 2009 and 2011 TriCounty Health District had the highest rates of colorectal cancer incidence at 38.9 per 100,000 persons and Summit County Health District had the lowest at 22.7 per 100,000 persons.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Utah's rate of colorectal cancer is significantly lower than the U.S. In 2011, Utah's rate of colorectal cancer was 31.8 per 100,000 persons compared with 39.9 per 100,000 persons for the U.S.

What Is Being Done?

In June 2002, the Utah Cancer Control Program (UCCP) received a grant from the CDC to launch a statewide education campaign. In 2009, the UCCP received a CDC grant to begin offering colorectal cancer screenings to low-income and uninsured Utahns. In addition to the screening program, monies were used for educational and promotional activities. Education efforts serve to increase awareness about colorectal cancer and promote screening and early detection for Utahans aged 50 and older. In addition, the Utah Department of Health initiated the Utah Cancer Action Network (UCAN), a statewide partnership whose goal is to reduce the burden of cancer. The mission of the UCAN is to lower cancer incidence and mortality in Utah through collaborative efforts directed toward cancer prevention and control. As a result of this planning process, objectives and strategies have been developed by community partners regarding the early detection of cervical, testicular, prostate, skin, breast, and colorectal cancers as well as the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating habits, and smoking cessation.

Available Services

The Utah Cancer Control Program offers free fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) to detect blood in the stool. This test is recommended yearly and can be performed at home. Utahns can call 1-888-222-2542 to request a free FOBT kit sent to their home.

Health Program Information

Screening for colorectal cancer has recently been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a priority public health issue. The CDC and partners launched a national education campaign, Screen for Life, in March 1999. In June 2002, the UCCP received a grant from the CDC to launch a statewide education campaign. Since then, additional funds have been awarded annually and public education efforts have continued. Education efforts serve to increase awareness about colorectal cancer and promote screening and early detection for adults aged 50 and older. The UCCP monitors the use of colorectal cancer screening tests by Utahns through the statewide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which is conducted annually. In addition, the Utah Department of Health initiated the Utah Cancer Action Network (UCAN), a statewide partnership whose goal is to reduce the burden of cancer. The mission of the UCAN is to lower cancer incidence and mortality in Utah through collaborative efforts directed toward cancer prevention and control. As a result of this planning process, objectives and strategies have been developed by community partners regarding the early detection of cervical, testicular, prostate, skin, breast, and colorectal cancers as well as the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating habits, and smoking cessation.