FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday, March 20, 2018
CONTACT:  Karen Cudmore (Karen.Cudmore@state.sd.us), (605) 773-3737  

SD Cancer Coalition Recognizes Efforts to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening

PIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota physician and a health care facility are being recognized for their efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening as part of a national effort to screen 80 percent of the eligible population by 2018.

The South Dakota Cancer Coalition Colorectal Cancer Task Force has honored Dr. Daniel Heinemann, MD, a vice president and medical officer for Sanford Health Network, and Falls Community Health in Sioux Falls for increasing screening rates among their eligible patients. Dr. Heinemann was awarded the 80 percent by 2018 Champion of the Year Award and Falls Community Health received the 80 percent by 2018 Organization of the Year Award.

“Staff at Falls Community Health and Dr. Heinemann should be applauded for their hard work and dedication to increase colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in South Dakota,” said Karen Cudmore, cancer programs director for the Department of Health. “We know that colorectal cancer screening tests can save lives, but the reality is too many adults aren’t following the recommendation for regular screening beginning at age 50.”

According to the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, just 65.8 percent of South Dakota adults aged 50 to 75 were up to date with colorectal cancer screening. The state and several partners are part of a national effort working toward the goal of increasing colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent by 2018.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Men and women age 50 to 75 should talk to their healthcare provider about getting screened for colorectal cancer. For more information about screening, go to GetScreened.SD.gov.

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Increasing the number of adults over the age of 50 that are up to date on colorectal cancer screening is a key objective of the Department of Health’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan.

Photos of honorees are available in the multimedia section of the state news web.