March is Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Month. This spring, the Alaska Colorectal Cancer Partnership launched a new media campaign to increase colorectal cancer screening among Alaskans over age 50 (over 40 for Alaska Native people). The campaign is called The Cancer I Can Prevent. Research findings show that people are much more likely to get screened if they are encouraged by someone they know and trust. The campaign takes an innovative approach by empowering Alaskans who have already been screened to talk about their experience and inspire others to get screened as well.

The organizations behind this effort include the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Southcentral Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Ride for Life Alaska hospitals and tribal health organizations, employers, as well as health clinics, physicians and cancer survivors.

The Alaska Colorectal Cancer Partnership was formed in 2006 to promote colorectal cancer screening and prevention throughout the state. The Partnership is composed of many organizations and individuals, including tribal health organizations, the State of Alaska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Ride for Life Alaska, the American Cancer Society, physicians, and community members. The Partnership works on education and advocacy around increasing colorectal cancer screening and awareness among all Alaskans.