KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - The main reason people do not screen for colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in King County, is due to a lack of awareness. Public Health - Seattle & King County is trying to change this fact with a new education campaign launched this month during Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

“Colon cancer can kill, but it doesn’t have to. It’s up to each one of us to make sure our friends and family members over 50 years of age get screened for this absolutely preventable disease,” said King County Executive Sims. "Talk about colon health screening with your health care provider. It’s a conversation that could save your life."

In King County and nationally, African American, Native American, and Latinos are less likely to be screened and more likely to die from colon cancer than whites. Screening rates are also lower among those without health insurance, with low income, and with less than a high school education.

"We have an innovative program to provide quality screening at no charge to those most at risk for colon cancer. "It is unacceptable to have higher colon cancer death rates among the uninsured and people of color when this cancer is preventable,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “We are spreading the word about our innovative program that provides quality screening at no charge to those most at risk for colon cancer."

New education campaign

The new education campaign encourages screening and aims to increase enrollment in the Colon Health Program that provides free screening to low-income uninsured or underinsured residents of King, Clallam, and Jefferson Counties. So far, almost 1,000 people have received screening through the program, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administered by Public Health.

New radio and print ads feature Reverend Vaughn Profit-Breaux, a local pastor who was diagnosed with colon cancer through the program. “I was at the right place at the right time. The program was so new that I was one of the first patients to be referred for screening. I am blessed that my cancer was caught early. If people don’t know where to go, thanks to the Colon Health Program, they now have options,” said Rev. Vaughn Profit-Breaux.

Rev. Profit-Breaux’s experience inspired him to become a committed advocate for increased colon cancer awareness and funding. Since his diagnosis, he has reached out to his local congregation, the Seattle City Council and Washington State legislators. Last week, Rev. Profit-Breaux was in Washington, D.C. to tell his story on Capitol Hill.

Colon cancer starts with a growth (polyp) that is not cancer. Screening can find and remove growths before they develop into cancer. Early detection can prevent over half of all colon cancer deaths.

Public Health encourages residents to talk to their health care providers about being screened. Colon health screening is often covered by insurance or Medicare. For those without insurance, ask your health care provider about the Washington Colon Health Program or call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP) at 1-800-756-5437.

For more information about colon cancer and screening and to see the new education campaign, please visit Public Health's colon health page at www.metrokc.gov/health/colon

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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