The Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization (CAO) Family Medical Centers recently received an Outstanding Clinical Performance award from the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) for their colorectal screenings in 2015.

“We participated with the American Cancer Society in a nationwide campaign for colorectal cancer screening,” Dr. Sue Adams, DO and medical director for the CAO Family Medical Centers, said. “The goal was 80 percent by 2018, which is a goal that 80 percent of Americans age 50 or older be screened for colorectal cancer. In 2015, we received this award for achieving that goal.”

Adams said that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and it’s potentially prevented with appropriate screenings.

There are six CAO Family Medical Centers in Lawrence County, and Adams said she’s proud of all the staff, providers and offices involved for working together to achieve the goal and receive the award.

“We’re making a significant impact on one of the leading causes of cancer in the state and community,” Adams said. “For every person screened, that’s one less having to go through cancer treatment and it can save their lives.”