Santa Fe Standard

The New Mexico Colorectal Cancer Screening ECHO Program has been launched to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening in the state. The program, a joint effort between the New Mexico Department of Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Program, UNM’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society (ACS), and Project ECHO, aims to train and mentor healthcare providers across New Mexico.

Dr. Prajakta Adsul from the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center emphasized the need for collaboration with a health equity lens to increase screening rates, stating, “We have been studying colorectal cancer screening needs in New Mexico... The ECHO program is an evidence-informed place to share strategies to improve cancer screening and ultimately improve colorectal cancer outcomes.”

Allison Rosen, a colorectal cancer survivor and Director of Project ECHO at the American Cancer Society, expressed her excitement about the program, highlighting the importance of making lifesaving best practices available to every person. Rosen shared, “As a survivor and someone who works in this space, this gives me purpose, and I understand the importance as I do not want anyone else to have to go through what I went through.”

Cary Virtue, Comprehensive Cancer Program Manager with NMDOH, stressed the significance of colorectal cancer screening, stating, “Colorectal Cancer screening can save lives... the best option is the one that gets done.”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among adults, and data from the American Cancer Society estimate an increase in new cases and deaths attributed to colorectal cancer in New Mexico in 2024. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for average-risk individuals aged 45 to 75, with tailored recommendations for those at increased risk.

The New Mexico Colorectal Cancer Screening ECHO Program aims to support healthcare providers in implementing evidence-based screening approaches and sharing personal stories to increase prevention and early detection efforts in the state. The program is set to launch on March 29, coinciding with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information on the New Mexico Colorectal Cancer Screening ECHO Program, individuals can visit the program's website. If further inquiries arise, David Barre can be contacted at (505) 699-9237.