Weekly Health Beat

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | Colonoscopies at HCMH | Specialty Physician Schedule

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that if everyone aged 50 years old or older were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. However, many people who are at risk for the disease are not being screened according to national guidelines.

It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

Some studies show that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent colorectal cancer.

Currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer, but medical experts recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes.

In addition, researchers are examining the role of certain medications and supplements, including aspirin, calcium, vitamin D, and selenium, in preventing colorectal cancer. While these supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, the most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50. You may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if you or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or you have inflammatory bowel disease.

Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your healthcare provider about which test or tests are best for you. These screening tests are recommended by the CDC:

  • Colonoscopy (every 10 years)
  • High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (every year)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)

Colon cancer is 90% curable when detected early. Which means you have the power to do something about it. Starting at age 50, get screened for colon cancer.

Colonoscopies at HCMH

Over 200 colonoscopies are performed each year at HCMH. Medical providers at HCMH are among the few in the area that prescribe a reduced amount of preparation for the procedure that is more comfortable for the patient and provides excellent testing results. Colonoscopy offers the best opportunity to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when successful treatment is likely, and to prevent some cancers by detection and removal of polyps.

For more information on colonoscopy at HCMH, please contact the hospital or your health care provider.

Next Week’s Specialty Physician Schedule:

For the convenience of area residents, the following Specialty Clinics are available in the coming week at HCMH in Britt. Call HCMH at 641-843-5000 or 1-800-255-9389 for more information

Thursday, March 4
Surgical Clinic: Dr. Ahari

Monday, March 8
Neurology Clinic: Dr. Verma
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic: Dr. Jalukar

Tuesday, March 9
Cardiology Clinic: Dr. Congello, Mercy Heart Center
Orthopedic Clinic: Dr. Crane

Thursday, March 11
Surgical Clinic: Dr. Ahari

Tuesday, March 16
Cardiology Clinic: Dr. Beasley, Mercy Heart Center
Orthopedic Clinic: Dr. Crane
Podiatry Clinic: Dr. Donahoe

Wednesday, March 17
Urology Clinic: Dr. MacGregor

Thursday, March 18
Surgical Clinic: Dr. Ahari

HCMH Providers Available at the Britt Medical Clinic:

Lissa Holloway, PA-C
Julie Larson, ARNP
Angela McGregor, ARNP
Jerry Nelson, M.D.
Ashlea McLeod, PA-C

Saturday Clinic: 8:00 a.m. – noon.

HCMH Providers Available at the Garner Family Practice Clinic:

John Boedeker, D.O.
Jerry Nelson, M.D.
Kathryn Pottratz, ARNP

Monday and Wednesday Clinics to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Clinic: 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Kanawha Medical Clinic:

Lissa Holloway, PA-C
Ashlea McLeod, PA-C

Wesley Medical Clinic:

Angela McGregor, ARNP