Colon Cancer Awareness Fair at Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass

March 8, 2011 - PRLog -- GRANTS PASS, Ore.--Learn all about colon cancer and other gastrointestinal problems and how to reduce your risks at the Colon Health Awareness Fair, a free event at Three Rivers Community Hospital on March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to both the public and clinical staff and will include presentations by four local surgeons who specialize in colon health. They will be able to answer your questions.

Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2007, 142,672 people in the United States were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 53,219 people died from the disease.

The good news is, colon cancer is preventable and, when caught early, curable.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so this is a good time to learn the risks for colon cancer, the warning signs, and when and how to get checked. At the Colon Health Awareness Fair, all of these topics and more will be covered through informational booths, demonstrations, and presentations by surgeons.

Speakers
Aaron Martin, DO: The Different Modalities Used in the Treatment of GI Bleeding
Holly Barker, MD: The Indications for Screening Colonoscopies
Scott Nelson, DO: There Is More to Anal Problems than Hemorrhoids
Brett Schulte, MD: Barrx Therapy, treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus

Representatives from Barrx, Boston Scientific, US Endoscopy, and Olympus America, Inc. will provide information about colon care for the public and for hospital clinical staff. Medical models will be available for demonstration of the most current gastroenterology tools. US Endoscopy will demonstrate its Hands on Workshop (HOW) Lab, a unique way for doctors, nurses, and technicians to learn and gain experience by performing simulated procedures with devices commonly used in procedures.

There will also be a wheel spin for prizes, refreshments, and CEU credits for nursing staff.

“Colon cancer can be managed very successfully it if is caught in the early stages,” says Sherry Smith, LPN, CGN, Three Rivers Community Hospital. “So early detection is the key. At this event people will learn about their risks and what age it is recommended for them to get a screening colonoscopy.” Smith added that many people put off colonoscopies due to the fear factor.  But the demonstrations and lectures will give people a good understanding of colonoscopies and reduce their worry. “We just want to let people know the options they have,” said Smith.

The event is free and no registration is required.

Colon Cancer Information from Mayo Clinic

The causes of colon cancer are not well understood, but colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon change and begin to grow out of control, which may cause precancerous cells to form polyps in your colon. If not treated, these polyps may become cancerous.

Risks
Both your family history or health history play a big part in colon cancer, but there are other risks that may be controlled by lifestyle choices. You can lower your risk by doing the following:

Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains
Avoid red meat and processed meats
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
Don’t smoke or use tobacco
Exercise thirty minutes on most days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight

When to Get Screened
Regular colon cancer screenings should begin at age 50 for people at average risk of colon cancer.

For more information about colon cancer, visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035.


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RVMC.org: http://www.asante.org/rvmc/AboutUs/pressroom/index.aspx

TRCH.org: http://www.asante.org/trch/AboutUs/pressroom/index.aspx

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Asante Health System is a non-profit organization providing advanced medical care to over 550,000 people in Southern Oregon and Northern California. It includes Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford and Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass.