Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM supports the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable's (NCCRT) call to action to reach 80 % colorectal cancer screening rates by 2018.

Abstract

The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) urges stakeholders to support the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable's (NCCRT) initiative 80 % by 2018. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely preventable with early detection of pre-cancerous polyps but CRC screening is underutilized, especially among the underserved. In response to low screening rates, this initiative sets an important goal of a population screening rate of 80 % in adults ages 50 and older by the year 2018. It is estimated that this screening rate could prevent more than 20,000 CRC deaths per year within 15 years. The initiative takes a multilevel approach to improving screening rates and includes recommendations for clinicians, health care organizations, insurers, policymakers, and researchers.