Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women nationwide, yet only about half of people who need colorectal cancer screening receive it.

Highline Medical Center in Burien s working with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) to educate patients about the importance of screening and to encourage everyone age 50 and older to get screened for colorectal cancer.

Highline Medical Center is the only Washington State hospital participating in this national program to provide free screening for a group of average risk patients. This effort was organized by Highline Gastroenterologist Dr. Harry Teicher in coordination with three of his physician colleagues and hospital staff, all of whom have committed their time and energy to offer these screenings to the community.

Recognizing that those without insurance have limited access to screening, gastroenterologists and physicians throughout the country have established free colorectal cancer screening programs for the uninsured. On National Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Screening Day (March 19 and March 20), programs in 10 states are holding simultaneous screening events to check patients for this deadly cancer and raise awareness of the importance of screening. Highline Medical Center worked closely with the King County Department of Public Health to identify a group of those in need of testing who were uninsured and could not otherwise afford this vital test.

Those individuals will be screened on Saturday, March 20.

"It is tragic that so many people do not have access to simple testing that can save their lives. My colleagues and I are honored and privileged to participate in this day and hope we can raise public awareness of the safety and efficacy of colonoscopy as a screening modality to prevent colorectal cancer," says Dr. Teicher.

There are a number of colorectal screening options, which vary by the extent of bowel preparation, as well as test performance, limitations, time interval and cost. The AGA considers colonoscopy the definitive test for colorectal cancer screening and prevention since it can detect cancer at an early, curable stage and prevent cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps.

For detailed information on colorectal cancer screening options, please see the AGA Institute brochure Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

In addition to following recommended screening guidelines, people can reduce their risk of developing or dying from colorectal cancer through regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight.

"The AGA Institute firmly believes that all Americans should have access to lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings. If caught early, colorectal cancer is very treatable," said Carla H. Ginsburg, MD, MPH, AGAF, chair of the AGA Institute Social Conscience Task Force.

"The AGA applauds the physicians at Highline Medical Center who are donating their time to screen patients who wouldn't otherwise be checked for colorectal cancer. We encourage all patients over age 50 to talk with their doctor about their colorectal cancer screening options."