Michigan Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (MCRCSP)

The objective of Michigan Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (MCRCSP) is to provide Asian Americans with early screenings for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It affects mostly people age 50 or older.

HAAP Can Help You through MCRCSP!

WHO

Everyone who attends a HAAP health fair is asked to complete a Risk Assessment for colorectal cancer. The questionnaires focus on your personal and family health history of colon polyps and cancer.

WHERE

If your Risk Assessment shows you are low or average risk, HAAP will give you a home-testing kit. If you are UNINSURED, at high risk and age 50 or older, you may qualify for a free screening at the University of Michigan.

WHAT

Low and average risk Asian Americans will receive a Fecal Occult Blood Test Kit, with instructions in the language of your choice. If the test indicates blood in the stool, you will be referred to a colonoscopy. If you are 50 years of age or older, uninsured and meet certain medical criteria, you may qualify for a FREE colonoscopy procedure. If you do not met all the criteria for this program, but further screening is indicated, you will be given a list of low cost medical facilities and helped to make an appointment.

How to contact HAAP?

If you have any questions about MCRCSP, please contact Healthy Asian American Project at 734-936-8913 or toll free number at 800-936-8903.

Please note, the recruitment period already ended for this cycle. Please call our office to learn about the next recruitment period coming up this September.

Learn About Colorectal Cancer

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Studies reveal that colorectal cancer often arises from the growth of polyps in the large intestine. Benign polyps can be removed during colonoscopy, and are not life-threatening. However, they can develop into cancer if they remain untreated. Methods used to detect colorectal cancer include colonoscopy, and barium enema x-ray.

Colorectal Cancer Statistics

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cancer among both males and females and it causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over fifty years old.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Red or blood in stool
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pains
• Diarrhea or constipation

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Factors that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer include:

• Personal and family history of colorectal cancer, polyps
• Personal chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s Disease

Good Health Behaviors can Prevent the Development of Colorectal Cancer!!

• Good diet - increase consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and reduce fat intake
• Exercise at least three times a week
• Avoid smoking
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Attend regular screenings for colorectal cancer