BCHS surgeon to speak on prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. The disease surpasses both breast and prostate cancer in mortality, and second only to lung cancer in numbers of cancer deaths. Colon cancer is a malignant tumor in the lining of the large intestine. It starts with a single cell that mutates and grows into a visible polyp, which then may develop into cancer.
Dr. Sri Chalasani, colorectal surgeon at Battle Creek Health System will speak on 'Colorectal Cancer: What You Should Know in Prevention and Treatment' at Burnham Brook Center on Wednesday, March 19. This educational program is part of the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month activities with the goal of increasing awareness that colorectal cancer is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable. The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System,.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Chalasani's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Call Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948 for reservations.
"Despite the fact that it is highly preventable, it is estimated that more than 153,000 cases were diagnosed in 2007 and over 52,000 people were projected to die of the illness," says Dr. Chalasani. "It is also one of the most easily prevented cancers because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. Because many people are embarrassed to talk about this disease, there are many myths about colorectal cancer that need to be refuted. An almost equal number of men and women are diagnosed each year."
Physicians agree that if a polyp is allowed to remain in the colon it can grow into a cancerous tumor that can invade other organs. Since polyps take about three to seven years to become cancerous, prevention means stopping this process by removing them before they become cancerous. Found in the early stage of becoming cancerous, surgery, sometimes in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy, can address the cancer before it can spread. Research shows that early detection is the real key to preventing and eliminating colorectal cancer. Regular screenings, a more healthy diet, and regular exercise can go a long way toward lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://burnhambrook.com, or call
(269) 441-0948.
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