MCC 2008 Spirit of Collaboration Honorable Mention Award Winner
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network (CRAN) of Washtenaw County

About the Initiative
The second annual Colorectal Cancer: No More Excuses...Get the Facts! free public informational colorectal cancer awareness and prevention program was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Kensington Court hotel in Ann Arbor.

Return to top of page

Impetus for the Collaboration

  • Create a broader understanding of colorectal cancer in Washtenaw County
  • Increase awareness of colorectal cancer screening and early detection benefits to a wide variety of men and women age 45 years and older
  • Reach out to a more diverse multi-cultural representation of the community
  • Increase the number of colorectal cancer prevention and education programs offered in Washtenaw County by CRAN members
  • Increase membership in CRAN of Washtenaw County

Return to top of page

Results
Based on survey results returned from approximately 25% of the 100 attendees at the March 11 event, we learned that our message was presented in a clear and appropriate format. Although many of the audience members had some prior knowledge of colorectal cancer screening options, they still learned at least one additional piece of useful information from the presenters.

Survey results indicated that the information that was shared gave the audience members confidence to speak more openly about colorectal cancer prevention with family friends and their medical providers, and that the audience members were willing to attend further informational programs dealing with colorectal cancer issues.

Return to top of page

Lessons Learned
One of the most important lessons learned as a result of this collaboration is that it truly takes a village to get the message of the importance of colorectal cancer awareness prevention and screening options to the general public. The CRAN group utilized the table host idea of bringing guests to the event. They were able to mix old friends and new at their tables, creating more opportunities for future committee members and outreach events.

Return to top of page

Collaborating Partners

Return to top of page

MCC Recognition
"Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network of Washtenaw County" received the Michigan Cancer Consortium’s 2008 Spirit of Collaboration Honorable Mention Award. The annual award is presented to member organizations that have done outstanding collaborative work to significantly move comprehensive cancer control activities forward in Michigan.

Return to top of page

Learn More
For more information about this project, please contact Laura Seyfried of the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc., at 734-971-4300 (e-mail:
laura.seyfried@cancer.org).

Return to top of page
last updated: 10/06/09