VA Lauded by National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable for Screening Rates

Approximately 4,000 Veterans are diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer each year

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received Hall of Fame recognition by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCR) for achieving an 82 percent colorectal cancer screening rate, which exceeds the NCCR goal of 80 percent and the national average, which is in the 60 percent range. NCCR was established in 1997 by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a national coalition of public, private and voluntary organizations along with invited individuals.

“We know that colon cancer is both common and lethal,” said David J. Shulkin, VA Under Secretary for Health. “Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States; we know that it can be prevented through screening. Recognition by this prestigious organization shows that our prevention measures are saving our Veterans’ lives.”

VA has been an early leader in fully embracing the value of colorectal cancer screening and in employing a comprehensive approach to its screening program by developing policies and guidance about screening. VA also monitors and reports system-wide screening rates, increased access to screening, developed systems of care to facilitate screening using clinical reminders, clinician toolkits, patient and staff education.

Information about VA’s efforts to prevent and treat colorectal cancer may be found at http://www.va.gov/QUALITYOFCARE/initiatives/compare/Prevention_Colorectal_Cancer_Screening.asp. Information about VA’s cancer research and achievements may be found at http://www.research.va.gov/topics/cancer.cfm.