Colon Cancer Prevention
Known Facts:
Colorectal Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Pennsylvanians have the 13th highest death rate for colon cancer in the country. Central Pennsylvania colorectal cancer ("CRC") rates are even higher at 20 to 30 percent above the national average. These are frightening statistics. Many questions come to mind when we are made aware of these facts. In most cases we do not know the exact reason why one individual gets colon cancer and another one does not; however, we do know that certain risk factors are highly associated with the development of this deadly disease. We also know that colorectal cancer is highly preventable when we follow guidelines for the prevention of this diesase.
Blair Gastro's Colon Cancer Prevention Program:
Proactive Against Colon Cancer Program ("PACC") offers a multidisciplinary approach to colon cancer prevention. PACC is a unique one-stop program designed to potentially lessen your risk of developing colon cancer. The program focuses on risk factor awareness. Particular consideration is paid to identify those individuals at higher than average risk for developing colon cancer. Individuals enrolled in the program are educated as to their own unique risks for colon cancer and are provided with personalized strategies for prevention. Highlights of the program include:
- HIPAA compliant program to ensure privacy;
- RN Coordinator (Bonnie Mazzei, RN, BSN);
- Colon Cancer Risk Assessment and analysis to create an individualized plan for risk reduction;
- Genetic screening, testing and counseling when applicable with an RN trained in genetics to insure that you receive accurate information;
- Notification of the risk analysis to the primary care physician as well as other healthcare team providers (surgeion, oncologist) in order to ensure communication is all-inclusive;
- Advance notification for follow up to keep your CRC surveillance up to date;
- Periodic newsletters to keep you up to date with changes about CRC;
- Supplemental guide about risk factors to aid in risk reduction;
- Educational materials available for in-depth learning and to share with family and loved ones.
Colon Cancer prevention is first accomplished by identifying risk factors. When you enroll in this program, you will meet with a Registered Nurse who will gather information about your personal medical history and discuss individual lifestyle habits that may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. A family medical history going back three (3) generations is obtained. A pattern of disease in a family may be a sign of an inherited form of that disease and is being passed down through generations.
The red flags that may suggest a genetic alteration or mutation that could increase CRC risk and suggest genetic testing are:
Ø CRC < age 50
Ø Colorectal adenomatous polyps < age 40
Ø 10 or more cumulative colorectal adenomas
Ø CRC in more than one relative (same side of the family)
Ø Multiple colorectal cancer in an individual or family member
Ø Other associated cancers seen in an individual and /or family member
A comprehensive risk assessment will assist your physician in
identifying your risk for colorectal cancer and will create a specific
individualized medical management strategy for prevention.
Not everyone is at the same risk for developing colorectal cancer. Your
risk may occur sooner than you think due to personal and/or family
medical history. Would you like to know your risk? PACC is available
to all patients at Blair Gastroenterology Associates. Simply call Bonnie
Mazzei, RN, BSN to find out more information or to enroll in the program.
Resources:
American Cancer Society – www.cancer.org
Pennsylvania Department of Health – www.dsf.health.state.pa.us
National Cancer Institute – www.cancer.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse – www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
Myriad Genetics Laboratory, Inc. – www.myriadtests.com
Colorectal Cancer Network – www.colorectal-cancer.net
Colon Cancer Alliance – www.ccalliance.org