Inspira unites with the American Cancer Society in the fight against colorectal cancer

Signing the American Cancer Society’s 80% by 2018 Pledge for Inspira Health Network are (Front: Left to Right) Alvaro Carrascal, vice president ACS Eastern Division Health Systems, John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira, (Back: Left to Right) Michele DeDea, ACS Health Systems manager Eastern Division, Judy Neuman, director of Cancer Services at Inspira and member of ACS South Jersey Board of Advisors, Todd Way, executive vice president of Operations at Inspira, Chris Trotz, M.D., executive medical director of Employed Physicians at Inspira, Michelle Marshall, assistant vice president of Oncology and Women’s Health Service Lines at Inspira, and Carol Thomas, vice president of Population Health at Inspira.

MULLICA HILL, NJ – April 28, 2016 – Inspira Health Network announced today their commitment to increase colorectal cancer screening in South Jersey by joining a national effort with the American Cancer Society in the fight against this disease.

The national percentage of adults 50 and older that are up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screening has increased from 56 percent in 2002 to 65 percent in 2010. By focusing on target audiences-newly insured, financially challenged, insured procrastinators/rationalizers, African Americans, and Hispanics – Inspira is in a good position to achieve 80 percent screened for colorectal cancer by the year 2018.

Today’s announcement celebrates Inspira’s commitment to achieve 80 percent by 2018; a shared goal led by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT). The Roundtable was started by the American Cancer Society and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1997.

“Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem. Adults age 50 and older should be regularly screened for it. There are several screening options, including take home tests,” said Dr. Alvaro Carrascal, Vice President of Health Systems for the American Cancer Society. “Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected early through appropriate screening and tens of thousands of lives can be saved if we increase screening to reach 80% by 2018."

“If caught early, colorectal cancer is a preventable and very curable disease. Unfortunately, the rate of late-stage diagnosis in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties is higher than the state and national averages. In addition, New Jersey ranks 34th out of 50 states in the screening rate for colorectal cancers,” said Carol Thomas, vice president of Population Health for Inspira Health Network. “That is why Inspira has been partnering with local primary care doctors, community organizations, and the American Cancer Society to increase colorectal cancer screening. Together, we have made significant progress with screening in our communities and we are committed to reaching beyond the 80 percent goal.”   
 
Colorectal cancer is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but it can be prevented. Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.

For more information about colorectal cancer screening, please visit www.cancer.org/colon or contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. For more information about the 80% by 2018 initiative, visit www.nccrt.org.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're determined to finish the fight against cancer. We're finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

About Inspira Health Network

Inspira Health Network is a charitable nonprofit health care organization serving communities across southern New Jersey. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 100 access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; numerous specialty centers, including sleep medicine, cardiac testing, digestive health and wound care; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Camden counties.

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 5,700 employees, Inspira Health Network provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the network’s clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health Network, call 1-800-INSPIRA.