By Crystal McGough, Associate Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Ascension St. Vincent’s East, located at 50 Medical Park Dr E, Birmingham, will be hosting an event for colorectal cancer awareness on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
This event is intended to educate people about the stages of colon cancer and the progression of the disease.
“March is colorectal cancer awareness month, and we are having the American Cancer Society’s big inflatable colon in our lobby on March 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Senior Marketing Specialist Shea Allen said. “Also, during that time, the community is invited to come register for a Cologuard screening kit that will be mailed to them, if they meet the criteria, about five business days after the event.”
Ascension St. Vincent’s East oncologist Dr. Laura Dover said that colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States.
“Colorectal cancer awareness is important because it is one of the rare cancers that can be prevented altogether,” Dover said. “That means more than making a diagnosis at an early stage, which is important, as well. It means that precancerous lesions, broadly referred to as polyps, can be detected and removed so that a person never develops cancer at all.”
The ability for community members who attend the event to register for a free Cologuard kit not only helps with early detection, but also provides a less intrusive option than starting their journey with a colonoscopy, Dover said.
“There are now stool studies available that are highly sensitive to the possibility that a patient may have a colorectal cancer,” she said. “While not perfect, these studies can signal which people are most likely to benefit from a colonoscopy, while assuring others they can opt-out of this more invasive screening tool until another annual stool study. These stool studies are not for everyone, such as people with a family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, in which case colonoscopies are often still the preferred screening tool.”
People may ignore the signs and avoid testing for colorectal cancer for a variety of reasons, but as with any cancer, early detection is key to preventing more serious complications and treatments down the road.
“It is easy to understand why people are hesitant to undergo a colonoscopy,” Dover said. “These (Cologuard) stool studies are a helpful, noninvasive first screening test. Again, the goal of colorectal cancer screening is to identify and remove precancerous polyps before they have time to develop into invasive cancers that would require larger surgeries. It is also best to identify any invasive cancer as early as possible to improve outcomes with the least amount of treatment possible.
“In summary, early identification of both precancerous and cancerous lesions of the colon and rectum ultimately leads to the least disruption to one’s quality of life, and that is the most important message of colorectal cancer awareness.”
DETAILS
WHAT: Colorectal Cancer Awareness event
WHEN: Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Ascension St. Vincent’s East lobby