Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2007

Haverhill Uses Incentive to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening

Mayor Draws Names of City Employees to Receive $50 Check Cards

On Friday, Mayor James J. Fiorentini drew the names of two City employees who will each receive a $50 check cards as part of Haverhill’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Incentive. Colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country. Fiorentini, who donated one of the $50 check cards said:

“With colorectal cancer, as with other types of cancer, the key to saving lives is early detection. We developed this incentive plan to educate City employees and to encourage them to take a proactive approach to their healthcare.”

In December, Haverhill’s Worksite Wellness Committee developed the Colorectal Cancer Screening Incentive for City employees, notifying them through payroll and/or e-mail notices and challenging those over the age of 50 to be screened. More than 9 out of 10 people found to have colorectal cancer are older than 50 (American Cancer Society).

If an employee scheduled a screening appointment by January 31, 2007, they would be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of two $50 check cards. A total of 24 employees scheduled screenings.

Each year, the City of Haverhill and Blue Cross and Blue Shield develop a Worksite Wellness Plan for City employees. The plan benefits both the employees—by informing them of valuable health and wellness benefits—and the City—by helping to reduce its healthcare costs.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 112,340 new cases of colon cancer and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer in 2007 in the United States. Combined, they will cause about 52,180 deaths.