Mid Coast Hospital is
proud to join the American Cancer Society in recognizing National Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month this March. Colorectal cancer is one of only a
few cancers that can be prevented, and screening has decreased the death and
incidence rates from the disease by almost 30% since 2000.
“Through our partnership
with the American Cancer Society, we do everything possible to inform our
patients, staff, and community members about the importance of screening to prevent
colorectal cancer,” said Kristin Anthony, RN, Vice President of Nursing and
Patient Services at Mid Coast–Parkview Health. “If you get screened regularly –
before you have symptoms – growths in the colon can be found and removed before
they have the chance to turn into cancer.”
Colorectal cancer is one
of the most common cancers in both men and women and the risk of colorectal
cancer increases with age. More than 90% of cases are diagnosed in people age
50 or older, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends that men and
women start colorectal cancer screening at age 50. Some people may be at higher
risk based on their family health history and may need to start testing
earlier.
Currently, millions of
people who should be screened for colorectal cancer are not getting the
recommended tests. To help reduce those numbers, Mid Coast Hospital has
partnered with the American Cancer Society to increase the percentage of people
getting screened for colorectal cancer in the United States to 80% by 2018.
Mid Coast Hospital Center for Cancer Care is a Commission on
Cancer-accredited program offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
to patient care. “From increased access to wellness and prevention programs to
ongoing quality initiatives, our cancer program is continuously looking for
ways to improve patient experiences and outcomes,” said Anthony.
To learn more about Cancer
Care at Mid Coast Hospital, visit midcoasthealth.com/cancer. For more information on how to prevent colorectal
cancer – and all cancers – visit cancer.org or contact your primary care
provider to discuss the right screening and prevention steps.
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