March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Michael Hinck

In 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This designation provides patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country an opportunity to join together to raise awareness about colon cancer and the importance of early detection.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women with an average risk of developing colon cancer be tested beginning at age 50. People with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be tested earlier.

Early detection can save lives, but unfortunately, less than half of the people age 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet there is a 90 percent cure rate when detected early.

There are a variety of different tests used to diagnose colon cancer. They include:

Standard (or optical) colonoscopy – During this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and tool for removing tissue. During a colonoscopy, any abnormal growths in the colon and rectum can be removed.

Sigmoidoscopy – During this test, the rectum and the sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidascope. The instrument is inserted through the anus and into the rectum and sigmoid colon as air is passed pumped into the colon to expand it so the doctor can see it more clearly.

High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) – This exam checks for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The stool samples are collected by the patient and the doctor has the samples tested.

Speak with your doctor about when to begin screening for colorectal cancer and what test(s) are best for you. If you do not have a doctor, Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center has doctors that can help. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Michael Hinck

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. During this time of month, Flushing Hospital urges everyone to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) there are three factors that we have control over that affects our risk of developing this terrible disease. They are: What we eat, how active we are and how much we weigh. The AICR states that the best protection against cancer is to control all three.

Let’s look at them one at a time:

What We Eat
Choosing a diet consisting mostly of plant foods and limiting red meat and avoiding processed food is the best defense. Preparing meals focused around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans will help you fortify your body against cancer.

How Active We Are
Being physically active for at least 30 minutes each day. Participating in any number of physical activities can lower your risk for colon cancer and possibly several other cancers as well. To fit time in your schedule, try breaking activities into 10-15 minute sessions.

What We Weigh
It is the third key to help protect against as many as six different types of cancer. The good news is that once you start following the first two guidelines about diet and physical activity, you’ll find it easier to accomplish this one.

Flushing Hospital joins the American Institute of Cancer Research to bring awareness to how we can reduce our chances of getting cancer by altering our daily lives.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Did you know that colon cancer is one of the most preventable, and if detected early, most treatable forms of cancer? March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and screening is the number one way you can increase your chances of survival. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. In 2015, the American Cancer Society estimates 93,090 new cases of colon cancer and 39,610 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed.

On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 (5%), but this can vary according to individual risk factors. All men and women should be screened every five years beginning at age 50, or earlier if you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or are experiencing symptoms. African Americans should begin screening at the age of 45.

Some tests that detect cancer and polyps, growths that occur on the inner lining of the large intestine and protrude into the colon, include:

.Colonoscopy — The inside of the rectum and entire colon are examined using a long, lighted tube called a colonoscope.

.Flexible Sigmoidoscopy — Examines your rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope.

.Virtual Colonoscopy — Uses x-rays and computers to take 2- or 3-dimensional images of your colon and rectum.

.Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) — Air and barium are pumped into your rectum. The solution will show polyps or tumors on x-rays.

Screenings for fecal occult blood tests or FOBT, may also be used to test the stool for signs that cancer may be present. They are less invasive and easier to have done but are less likely to detect polyps.

Please discuss all screening options, as well as when to be screened, with your healthcare professional.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides a modern, fully equipped endoscopy unit for patients with abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or any other gastrointestinal concerns. Using the newest high-technology video equipment, an expert team provides comprehensive patient care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Ambulatory Care at 718-670-5486.

For more health and fitness information, join us on Facebook.com/FlushingHospital or follow us on Twitter @FHMC_NYC