80% by 18: Where do we stand?

80% by 2018 is an initiative started by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) that wants to see 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by the end of 2018.

While colon cancer is the most treatable kind of cancer, it’s also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Nebraska and occurs more often in Nebraska than the rest of the nation. That’s why it’s so important to spread the word about getting screened, particularly if they are aged 50 or older. 

The NCCRT is tracking all major measures to assess progress in reaching the goal of 80% of adults ages 50 or older screened for colorectal cancer. 

An 80% screening rate is achievable! As the campaign progresses and we look ahead at the upcoming year, here are the facts and statistics to know:

• Top health systems already are achieving 80% screening rates. 
• Massachusetts is already screening over 76% of their eligible population, the highest screening rate among US states. 
• Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates have dropped by over 30% in the U.S. among adults 50 and older in the last fifteen years, with a substantial fraction of these declines due to screening.
• Recent research indicates colorectal cancer incidence rates are rising in young and middle-aged adults. 
• Nebraska ranks 37th out of 50 states in screening for colon cancer - there is still work to be done!