Friday, March 21, 2003

'Let's Do Health' focuses on colorectal cancer education at South Fulton Medical Center

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, South Fulton Medical Center will be providing education to help combat a disease affecting nearly 150,000 people in the United States. The program is part of South Fulton Medical Center's continuing efforts to improve health through preventative medicine and education.

Colorectal cancer ­ or cancer of the colon or rectum ­ is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It's estimated that 147,500 new cases will be diagnosed and 57,100 Americans will die of the disease this year. The good news is that the five-year survival rate is 90 percent for people whose colorectal cancer is treated in an early stage, before it has spread. But, only 37 percent of colorectal cancers are found at the early stages.

The American Cancer Society's guidelines recommend that beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of the five screening options below:

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

Both a fecal occult blood test every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

Double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years.

Colonoscopy every 10 years

"Regular screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer, or find it early when treatment is most effective," said Dr. David Martin. "This is clearly a cancer we can do something about, so if you're age 50 or older talk with your doctor about getting a screening test. It could help save your life."

South Fulton Medical Center will be holding a "Let's Do Health" session to recognize the importance of colorectal cancer awareness.

This month's "Let's Do Health" sessions take place March 27 from 6:00 ­ 8:00 p.m. at the South Fulton Medical Center's Auditorium.

All "Let's Do Health" sessions are FREE to the public and offer giveaways and light appetizers. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, call 1-888-888-1872.

South Fulton Medical Center, a 392-bed acute care hospital affiliated with Tenet Healthcare Corporation. In addition to emergency care, the hospital offers cardiac care, physical and occupational rehabilitation, impatient oncology, ambulatory surgery and labor and delivery. The hospital also has a level two neonatal intensive care unit.