Who are We?

Washington Colon Cancer S.T.A.R.S. was founded to provide support, treatment, awareness, resources, and screening for colon cancer prevention.

The Washington State Colorectal Task Force, which includes state and local Departments of Health, colon cancer survivors, and health providers, founded STARS and provides guidance for our goals and programs of

increasing the screening rate
assisting patients - including those already diagnosed with colon/rectal cancer
promoting collaborative relationships between providers and patients
broadening resources available to underserved populations

News

STARS and the Washington State Department of Health Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program have established a grant process to identify, solicit, and fund contractors to implement and evaluate interventions to improve colorectal cancer screening rates.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/bids/ - “grant opportunities” - “Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening in Local Communities.”

Events

The STARS Colon Cancer Support Group is the second Thursday of every month. Open to patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to participate.

March 5, 2010 - Dress in Blue!

March 21, 2010 - Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon. Form a team!

Wake-up Washington State!

Colon cancer is one of the most common and, yet preventable, cancers.
In Washington State, only 66% of all insured people get screenings and only 33% of uninsured people do.
Each year, 150,000 new cases are diagnosed and 50,000 people will die. Of those, 15,000 are under the age of 50
Early screeing is the best way to prevent this disease. Identifying and removing polyps during screening can decrease risks by 60% to 90%.
You should be screened if you are 50 year or older OR have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer.

Get Screened!