Video Gets to the Bottom of Colorectal Cancer

Why screening tests save lives

Colorectal cancer is deadly—it is, in fact, the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, after lung cancer. But it is also one of only a few cancers that can be prevented through the use of screening tests. Literally, screening tests can save lives.

Dr. Lynn Butterly explains the facts and misperceptions about colorectal cancer and cancer screening in this informative video.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—a national movement to increase awareness and education about colorectal cancer and to spread the message that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable if detected early.

As part of the Cancer Center's participation in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Lynn Butterly, Director of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at Norris Cotton Cancer Center, discusses facts and misperceptions about colorectal cancer and screening in this informative video.

Nationwide, more than 147,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are reported every year, with nearly 50,000 deaths reported per year, according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the country after lung cancer. In New Hampshire alone, 730 new cases of colorectal cancer are reported each year.

Screening to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Those who are age 50 and older can benefit the most from a screening. There are different types of screenings available; Dr. Butterly explains the differences in her video.

Note that many insurance plans and Medicare help pay for screening tests. And the New Hampshire Colorectal Cancer Screening Program provides free education on colorectal cancer screening, a free colonoscopy screening test and preparation, and free patient navigation services for those who meet financial and clinical requirements.