March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s an important time to consider getting screened for this highly preventable and treatable cancer. Colorectal cancer, the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths, is increasingly impacting younger people and disproportionately affecting Black Americans. In an effort to address the disparities in colorectal cancer screenings, a partnership between Lifespan Community Health Institute and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is making strides in reaching underserved populations.

One heartwarming example of their efforts is the story of a member who, after being presented with screening information and options, requested an at-home testing kit. When the kit did not arrive, a community health worker personally delivered it to the member’s door. This personal approach highlights the power of the partnership in removing barriers to colorectal screening and reaching communities of color.

Recognizing the concerning disparity in screening rates among different racial and ethnic groups, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island set a bold goal to increase the overall screening rate to 80% for members aged 45 to 75 by the end of 2025, while also aiming to reduce the disparities in racial and ethnic screening rates. In 2023, their overall screening rate was just 71%, with lower rates for Black and Hispanic members.

To tackle this issue, the partnership with Lifespan Community Health Institute plays a crucial role in providing support and reminders to members about the importance of screening. This collaborative effort is essential in preventing deaths from colorectal cancer and addressing the disparities in screening rates.

If you’re 45 or older, it’s important to ensure you’re up to date on your colorectal cancer screening. By raising awareness and working towards increasing screening rates, we can make significant progress in preventing and treating colorectal cancer.