In 1999 the Texas Cancer Council allocated funding for the formulation of an Action Plan on Colorectal Cancer for the State of Texas. The goal of the project was to identify the education, prevention and support resources currently available in the state and to recommend and prioritize those needing development, to reduce the impact of colorectal cancer in Texas.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In Texas in 1998, more than 3,200 individuals lost their lives to colorectal cancer, and it is estimated that 8,300 new cases will be diagnosed by the end of 2000. Yet, colorectal cancer is preventable and, when detected early, eminently curable. The five-year relative survival rate is 90% when it is discovered and treated early.

In Texas, all ethnic groups have had increases in the number of new cases diagnosed at percentages higher than the increases in the general population during the same time period (1992-1996). African Americans consistently have higher incidence rates and higher overall death rates than do other racial/ethnic groups. For all races combined, the incidence rate is over 40% higher in men than in women and increases steadily as individuals age. In addition, the total number of deaths from colorectal cancer increased by more than 20% in the ten years from 1989 through 1998. Existing screening procedures have been demonstrated to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer, but fewer than 35% of Texans report ever having had colorectal cancer screening beyond a digital rectal examination.

This Action Plan identifies and discusses the many factors that influence the current levels of colorectal cancer incidence and death, including current knowledge, attitudes and practices among the public and healthcare providers, access to and availability of services and financial and policy issues. It provides a list of specific recommendations to achieve the following goals:

1. Increase public awareness of, and demand for, colorectal cancer screening services.
2. Increase availability of colorectal cancer prevention, screening and detection information and services.
3. Increase access to and use of diagnostic services, appropriate treatment and follow-up.
4. Enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge, skills and practices in colorectal cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and support.
5. Conduct research and collect relevant data to facilitate the achievement of these goals.

The contributors to this document are pleased to join the Texas Cancer Council in the realization of its mission: “... reducing the human and economic impact of cancer on Texans through the promotion and support of collaborative, innovative, and effective programs and policies for cancer prevention and control.”