American Cancer Society West Region (WER) Cancer Control Collaborative Project (CCCP) recently awarded TakeCare Insurance Company a grant to improve early detection and increase screening rates for breast, colorectal and lung cancer to qualified TakeCare members.
The project will focus on promoting its annual Cancer Screening and Prevention Campaigns to include a combination of evidence-based interventions (EBI) as suggested by the U.S. Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) Community Guide.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cancer killer affecting both men and women. In celebration of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, TakeCare will begin its annual Colorectal Cancer Screening, Awareness and Prevention Campaign beginning March 1st to May 31st. The goal is to increase CRC screening to qualified TakeCare members ages 50 to 75 years.
During this campaign, TakeCare members will receive materials about the importance of CRC screening and instructions on how to obtain and perform stool-based testing for colorectal cancer. TakeCare members who complete the screening will be entered into a raffle drawing to receive a prize that includes a dinner and a one-night stay package at our partnered hotel.
The American Cancer Society applauded TakeCare for continuing to prioritize the health of its members by focusing on screening for cancer. Marisha Artero, Health System Manager for the Guam Field office reminds, “Screening saves lives. Some cancer can be found early, before they have had a chance to grow and spread. When they are found early, they are also the most treatable. If you are a TakeCare member, talk with your doctor about being screened for colorectal, lung and breast cancer.”
The grant will also include the annual Breast Cancer Screening Initiative beginning September to November. Breast Cancer remains the second leading cause of death among women. 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. TakeCare’s “1 in 8,” Breast Cancer Screening campaign, will focus on inviting women between the age of 40 to 74 years old who are eligible to complete their preventive breast mammography to schedule for their appointment during this time. Members who complete the screening can receive a free gift as a token of appreciation for their continued effort to remain healthy.
TakeCare will also manage a campaign for members and network providers on how to access screening for lung cancer and distribute call-to-action letters to their network of healthcare providers about the importance of cancer screenings.
For more information about screening, please call TakeCare Wellness Team at 646-6956 ext. 7621 or 7224.
(Information from a news release)