Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Michigan, with 4,920 new cases and 1,900 deaths expected this year.

The MCC's original goal for colorectal cancer screening (set in 1998) was to increase to 50 percent the proportion of average-risk people who have received appropriate colorectal cancer screening tests. At the time that goal was set, approximately 30 percent of Michigan residents age 50 years and older reported that they had received appropriate screening for colorectal cancer according to the MCC recommendations.

What's Been Done in Michigan
Since the Consortium identified this colorectal cancer early detection goal, MCC member organizations and their partners have planned, implemented and evaluated numerous public education and provider education initiatives and activities. In every instance, the MCC has facilitated collaboration among public and private agencies to maximize resources and leverage new resources when needed.

As a result of these efforts:

• Approximately 264 Michigan organizations have joined a new collaborative statewide Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network (CRAN) to promote colorectal cancer screening though numerous venues and with consistent messages.
  
  
• The American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc., has developed and supported regional CRAN networks to promote and coordinate colorectal cancer awareness activities at the local/community level.
  
  
• A state-funded colorectal cancer early detection pilot project was begun as the result of the first Michigan Dialogue for Action meeting in September 2004 and persistent lobbying by key MCC partner organizations.
  
  
• Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Guidelines, including risk assessment recommendations, were produced and disseminated to Michigan health care providers.
  
  
• Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Professional Education modules were developed and disseminated online, presented at statewide professional education meetings, and also made available on CD-ROM.
  
  
• Media campaigns and other focused public and provider education efforts have been implemented involving Michigan health plans and tailored for some special populations (i.e., African Americans, Asian Americans, and Arab Chaldeans).
  
  
• Community-based projects and programs have been piloted in counties with higher-than-state-average colorectal cancer mortality rates.

Impact of the Collaborations
Many lessons have been learned and shared among the MCC partner organizations as a result of these activities and initiatives, and best practices and products are being promoted statewide.

In a recent review of the MCC cancer control priorities, the MCC celebrated the achievement of its original colorectal cancer screening goal. The bar has been raised, and the new goal is to increase to 75 percent the proportion of average risk people in Michigan who report having received appropriate colorectal cancer screening tests by 2010. Momentum is building, and we believe that this new goal is achievable.

To Learn More
For more information, contact Polly Hager, MSN, RN, of the Michigan Public Health Institute at 517-566-8961 (e-mail: phager@mphi.org).

last updated: 07/08/05

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