3 Key Questions | Launching a Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign in Boston

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early. In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Harvard Cancer Consortium (HCC) launched a social media campaign to promote the updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which now starts at age 45.

This campaign is an initiative of the HCC’s Colorectal Cancer Working Group. It is led by Dr. Nadine Jackson (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, HCC Member of Cancer Care Delivery and Gastrointestinal Malignances Research Programs) and colleagues at BPHC, including Leon Bethune, Director of Community Initiatives Bureau, and Mark Kennedy, Senior Program Manager. The effort builds on BPHC’s prior colorectal cancer screening campaign and reflects the Working Group’s shared commitment to advancing education and awareness of colorectal cancer screening.

The Colorectal Cancer Working Group prioritized this campaign to address lower screening rates among adults ages 45–49 after screening guidelines were updated to begin at age 45 rather than 50. Below, the Working Group co-leaders share brief reflections on the importance of this campaign and how it complements broader clinical and research efforts. You can also view and share the campaign on BPHC’s Facebook and Instagram (@HealthyBoston) channels.

Three Key Questions

1. Why is this colorectal cancer screening campaign important for Boston communities right now?

Leon Bethune & Mark Kennedy (Boston Public Health Commission): According to life expectancy data recently compiled for the Boston Public Health Commission and the City of Boston's Live Long and Well Agenda, cancer is one of the top three causes of premature mortality for Black men and women in Boston. Nationally, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 years of age, and second for women in that age group.  Available screening tools can help prevent colorectal cancer, as well as help detect it early when treatment can prevent death, yet screening rates are especially low in the 45–49-year-old age group.  Not getting screened significantly increases risk of death from colorectal cancer, so we must emphasize the importance of screening.

2. How does this campaign support and complement clinical and research efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening and early detection?

Dr. Nadine Jackson (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute): Despite advancements in treatment of colorectal cancer, low screening uptake remains the greatest barrier to improve survival outcomes. The current media campaign frames screening according to what matters most for adults and addresses why screening remains the most important step a person can take to address colorectal cancer risk. We are thrilled to partner with the Boston Public Health Commission to improve colorectal cancer screening rates in our city and are prepared to support the needs of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

3. What’s next for the Colorectal Cancer Working Group as you build on this campaign?

Leon Bethune, Mark Kennedy, and Nadine Jackson (Leaders of the HCC Colorectal Cancer Working Group): This collaborative campaign between the HCC and BPHC is expected to raise awareness of options for colorectal cancer screening among Boston residents. Building on the campaign, the next step is to improve navigation following screening for adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer or for those at risk of developing colorectal cancer. We are also working alongside the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to develop a training curriculum for community health workers in Massachusetts and those embedded within Boston communities to assist in patient navigation for colorectal screening and connection to care services following diagnosis. Boston Public Health Commission is also exploring collaborations with community-based organizations to improve  patient navigation in primary care to help Boston residents adhere to required post-screening follow-up as a part of Boston's Live Long and Well Agenda to reduce premature mortality.

Colorectal Cancer Working Group Members

• Leon Bethune, Boston Public Health Commission
• Mark Kennedy, Boston Public Health Commission
• Nadine Jackson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Jennifer Andruzzi, Joe Andruzzi Foundation
• Adjoa Anyane-Yeboa, Massachusetts General Hospital
• Joelynn Muwanga, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

If you are doing collaborative work in the community and are interested in connecting with the Community Outreach and Engagement team on any activities, please email Jenny Reiner