Maine Colorectal Cancer Control Program
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. CRC is the most preventable cancer with about 90% of CRCs thought to be preventable with proper screening. In Maine, CRC is the third leading cause of cancer death, impacting slightly more men than women. In 2024, there were an estimated 700 new cases of colorectal cancer and 270 deaths. Although Maine ranks high for CRC screening nationally, large disparities exist among certain populations in the state. The objective of the ME CRCCP is to increase CRC screening rates at health clinics with low screening rates.
Related and Linked Diseases
- Age: your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
- Alcohol Use
- Tobacco Use
- Low-fiber and high-fat diet or diet high in processed foods
- Obesity
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Gretchen Sminkey, MPH
Program Manager, Maine Colorectal Cancer Control Program
gretchen.sminkey@maine.gov