29-03-2025
Swope Health working to flip the script on colorectal cancer in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, but efforts here in Kansas City are working to change that.
Colorectal cancer is not only one of the deadliest cancers, but it also disproportionately affects Black communities and other vulnerable groups. Fortunately, advocacy and awareness efforts are helping to flip the script.
At Swope Health, they're tackling this battle head-on, driven by the belief that fighting colorectal cancer means saving lives.
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'The difference between could be your life…I mean point blank,' Ron Car, a patient at Swope Health, said.
'It's heartbreaking for me because when I get them in my office, and I hear the stories – I got this and I got that and I got this going on in my life and I can't afford it – but wait a minute this health insurance is here for you,' Angela Hawkins, an insurance agent at Swope Health said.
In addition to addressing cancer, Swope Health is also working on tackling obesity, alcohol use and other contributing factors. But above all, it's about getting people in front of doctors for screenings.
As Dr. Naomi Jamal, Chief Health Officer at Swope Health, explains:
'It does boil down to screening as well. Over the last decade, we've actually seen the incidents of colorectal cancer decrease.'
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With an increase in younger people being diagnosed, the recommended age to start screenings is now 45. Angela Hawkins is dedicated to ensuring people are aware of the resources available to them.
'They need to understand we're here for them. All they have to do is take the time out to come up and apply,' Hawkins said.
Dr. Jamal emphasizes that screenings should begin at 45, and Swope Health is open Monday through Friday. Of course, always consult with your doctor as well.
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