Colon Cancer Rates High in Lake Cumberland

The Lake Cumberland area has some of the highest rates of colon cancer in Kentucky but has some of the lowest rates of colon cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in either the colon or the rectum.  It is the second-leading cause of cancer death and the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States.

There is strong evidence that screening for colorectal cancer reduces mortality by detecting the cancer early when treatments are more effective.

Screening for colorectal cancer includes fecal sample testing (FIT) and colonoscopy. You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 50, or more often than other people, if

• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

There are resources available for those living in the Lake Cumberland area including those uninsured, underinsured, and insured individuals.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, feel free to reach out to the Kentucky Cancer Link for information.