Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, and a cause of considerable suffering among more than 140,000 adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. However, colorectal cancer can be detected early at a curable stage, and it can be prevented through the detection and removal of precancerous polyps.

UConn Health stands united in the belief that we can eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. We have screening technologies that work, the national capacity to apply these technologies, and effective local models for delivering the continuum of care in a more organized fashion. Equal access to care is everyone’s responsibility. We share a commitment to eliminating disparities in access to care. As such, UConn Health will work to empower communities, patients, providers, community health centers and health systems to embrace these models and develop the partnerships needed to deliver coordinated, quality colorectal cancer screening and follow up care that engages the patient and empowers them to complete needed care from screening through treatment and long-term follow-up.

UConn Health is embracing the shared goal of reaching 80% screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

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