The DHI campaign is a project of the American Digestive Health Foundation, which is a cooperative effort of the American Gastroenterological Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Attendees included representatives from CCFA and other healthcare organizations, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as benign polyps that develop and grow in the colon for several years before they become cancerous. In fact, as many as 25,000-30,000 lives could be saved each year if men and women age 50 and older were screened annually for colorectal cancer. Digital rectal examination should also be performed at the time of sigmoidoscopy or total colonic examination. At the DHI summit, attendees resolved to encourage more private payers to do the same. The appropriate test for these individuals is colonoscopy with biopsy.