Governor encourages Minnesotans to talk to their doctor about risk factors and screening options
ST. PAUL, MN – Joined by cancer survivors and advocates, Governor Mark Dayton today proclaimed the week of December 2 – 9, 2017 as “
Cancer Screen Week” in the State of Minnesota. The Governor’s proclamation encourages all Minnesotans to talk to their health care providers about cancer risk factors and recommended screening options.
“Getting screened for cancer can greatly improve the chance of early diagnosis, treatment, and recovery,” said Governor Dayton. “It saved my life last December. I encourage all Minnesotans to consult with their doctors about what screening options make sense for them.”
The National Cancer Institute estimates that up to 210,000 deaths in the United States could be avoided with early and appropriate cancer screening. Screening is essential to detect cancer early, get appropriate treatment, and help increase survival.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and many other cancer-fighting organizations support patients talking to their doctors about preventive screening. Catching cancer early is crucial to improving outcomes and decreasing pain and suffering from this disease,” said Ellie Beaver, Minnesota Government Relations Director at American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “We thank the Governor for calling attention to screening through this proclamation.”
Minnesotans should consult with their health care provider to determine the appropriate screenings based on their age, health, and risk factors. Below are guidelines – and current screening statistics in Minnesota – for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer.
· Breast Cancer
o Most organizations recommend regular breast cancer screening for women over the age of 50
o Statewide, the rate of breast cancer screening is 76.6 percent
· Cervical Cancer
o Regular cervical cancer screening should begin for women at age 21
o For Minnesota women aged 21 to 65, the overall rate of testing is 85.6 percent
· Colorectal Cancer
o For colorectal cancer, screening tests should begin at age 50 for all adults
o The statewide screening rate is 72 percent
The Minnesota Department of Health runs
Sage Screening Programs to help keep Minnesotans healthy through cancer screening and early detection. Sage screenings are provided at participating locations free of charge to people who meet age, income and insurance eligibility guidelines.
To view a copy of Governor Dayton’s proclamation for “Cancer Screen Week”
click here.