Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center To Hold Colorectal Screening Program
Published July 28, 2010
The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 4,430 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in New Jersey during 2010. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in both men and women. The death rate from this cancer has decreased significantly over the past two decades due in part to improvements in early detection and treatment. The Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED) program will be hosting a community education program to discuss the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) option for colorectal screening on September 15th from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. in the conference room at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center .
The risk for colorectal cancer increases with age; more than 90% of all cases are diagnosed in individuals who are 50 or older. Individuals who have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at a higher risk for developing this cancer due to a possible gene mutation. There are several behavioral risk factors that can be modified such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red and processed meats, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50 both men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin screening. Screening can result in the identification and removal of suspicious polyps before they become cancerous in addition to the detection of cancer at an early stage. Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer offer a variety of options depending upon your health status. It is important that you discuss with your health care provider which option is the most appropriate. Screening options include doing one of the following:
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- A colonoscopy every 10 years
- A guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
If you are concerned about not having insurance coverage for these important screening tests, coverage may be available through the (CEED) grant at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Please call Marge Vellotti at (908) 237-5409 to see if you qualify for this program.
To register for this evening presentation on FIT screening, please call (908) 237-5409.