Collaboration Aims to Increase Colon Cancer Screenings in the African American Community

by Kathy Grear 02/19/2016

CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. – The African American community is disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer, with the highest incidence and death rates of the disease of any racial group. Each year more than 18,000 African Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and almost 7,000 will die from the disease. However, colorectal cancer is unique in that if caught early, it is highly treatable.

Joining the ongoing effort to address this health inequity,  Polymedco and the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI),  a coalition of more than 34,000 African American and Latino churches, will co-host educational events to promote colon cancer prevention with simple at-home sample collections using the OC-Auto® FIT (fecal immunochemical test) and OC-Light® S FIT.

The program will launch with screening education forums in Newark, NJ and Brooklyn, NY. Attendees will receive materials with information on new screening protocols, care facilities, and access in their own communities where they can get screened using FIT. NBCI will also engage its volunteer health corps to assist congregations and community members on Polymedco’s innovative and simple screening tests.

“Polymedco is looking forward to our 2016 partnership with NBCI.  With our dedication to raising awareness of colorectal cancer screening and the strong community connections within NBCI, we believe that together we will make a great impact!” said Rick De Alto, Senior Vice President of Operations at Polymedco.

“African American communities need to know that colorectal cancer screening is one of the easiest ways to save lives, and that today’s options for screenings are varied and easy to do – even at home,” said Rev. Anthony Evans, NBCI President. “Raising awareness about the importance of cancer screenings is at the heart of this campaign, and we strongly believe that robust community education and outreach will make a real impact throughout our faith communities, especially with modern, easy-to-use screenings that make individuals feel confident and in control of their health.

“This partnership has tremendous potential to save lives, especially as colon cancer screenings often deliver a clean bill of health. We are looking forward to reaching out in those communities where education is needed most,” Evans said. Since 1980, Polymedco has evolved into a leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributor in the clinical laboratory marketplace. Polymedco supplies clinical diagnostic test kits that are specialized in hematology and cancer screening. As a world leader in non-invasive colorectal cancer screening technology, Polymedco provides the new standard of care with the OC-Auto® and OC-Light® product lines. For More Information, please visit our website: http://www.polymedco.com or like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Polymedco.

About NBCI: The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment. NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, churches and the public. The National Black Church Initiative’s methodology is utilizing faith and sound health science. NBCI partners with major organizations and officials whose main mission is to reduce racial disparities in a variety of areas. NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting edge solutions to stubborn economic and social issues.  Visit www.naltblackchurch.com for more information. •