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Hospital to Present Free Seminar on Colon Cancer
Prepared by: Steve Wong Upstate Carolina Medical Center Marketing Phone 864-487-1515
"Last year, the hospital partnered with the American Cancer Society to improve awareness of cancer in Cherokee County," hospital Marketing Director Steve Wong said. "Through a great amount of multiple agency cooperation, we were able to bring about several new programs. We plan to build on our success and continue the effort this year. Last month, we had a HealthTalk on Gardasil, a vaccine that helps prevent cervical cancer. This month, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we will have Dr. Burdett speak. When we did this last year, a lot of people were amazed at the statistics and the actual procedure." According to the Society, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States, and it is largely preventable. The Society estimates that in 2007 more than 153,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, while more than 52,000 will die from the disease, a number that could be cut in half if Americans followed Society screening recommendations. In South Carolina, more than 2,230 residents will be diagnosed, while more than 790 residents will die from colon cancer. Despite overwhelming evidence that screening can save lives, many Americans still are not following recommendations from the American Cancer Society and others on the importance of early detection. Perhaps the least understood aspect of colon cancer, and the most compelling, is the fact that colon cancer can be stopped before it starts if pre-cancerous polyps are found and removed through screening endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy), thereby avoiding disease completely. When colorectal cancer is caught at an early stage, it has a 90 percent survival rate. Still, fewer than four in 10 (39 percent) of these cancers are discovered at this stage. The American Cancer Society says increasing colon cancer screening among adults 50 and over represents the single greatest opportunity to decrease colon cancer death rates in this country. "It’s becoming clear people 50 and older just do not see themselves at risk and that they need to be screened,"said Patricia Hoge RN, PhD, Chief Mission Officer of the American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division. "If we can increase awareness in a younger age group, not only will we have the potential to positively affect the outcome for their parents and grandparents with early detection, but we will have the opportunity to save future generations." The reasons for low screening rates include many misconceptions. One common misconception is that only those with a family history should be tested. While those who have a family history of the disease are at increased risk, the majority of cases occur in people whose only risk factor is their age -- so everyone over 50 should be screened. Others think screening is necessary only after symptoms arise. Yet symptoms are often a sign that the disease has progressed into more advanced stages. Screening is most effective when a patient has no signs of illness. The American Cancer Society currently funds over 100 colon cancer research grants nationwide totaling more than $50 million. Its science-based early detection guidelines help health care providers and consumers alike make informed decisions about testing. In addition, the Society is leading efforts at the state level to enact legislation that would require private health insurance plans to cover the full range of colon cancer screenings in all 50 states. Currently 17 states and the District of Columbia guarantee such coverage, as does Medicare. Dr. Burdett is a board certified general surgeon. She is one of Gaffney’s newest physicians, having relocated here last summer. She received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore in 1996. Both her internship and residency in general surgery were at the University of Maryland. In 1989, she received a bachelor?s degree in business and finance from the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. She is now in practice at GMA General Surgery & Endoscopy, along with surgeon Timothy Nelson, M.D. A light evening meal will be provided prior to the seminar. However, seating is limited. Anyone interested in attending is asked to pre-register by calling 487-4271.
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