I recently read on Louisiana's high colorectal cancer rates and Cherie Broome’s experience with CRC. Ms. Broome's story shows a simple truth: Screening saves lives. Because she was screened, her cancer was caught at Stage 1 and today she is cancer-free.
Too many Louisianans don't get that chance. Louisiana ranks third in the nation for CRC incidence, with CRC the second leading cause of cancer death in our state.
And while Louisiana has made real progress, almost 30% of eligible residents 45 and older have never been screened. That's hundreds of thousands of our neighbors who are at risk of catastrophic news.
That's why I was encouraged to add to this story after hearing that the American Cancer Society to include the FDA-approved Shield blood test.
The test requires no special prep, no time off work and no procedure, just a quick blood draw during a regular doctor's visit.
For Louisianans who won’t follow through on screening, more choices mean more opportunities to catch this cancer early, when outcomes are best.
Louisianans shouldn't wait. Talk to your doctor about which screening option is right for you, and get screened.
DR. FELICIA STOLER