Are You at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

Hendersonville Medical Center hosts a free seminar to KNOW MORE.

HENDERSONVILLE, TN (March 6, 2007) - Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women. Accord­ing to the American Cancer Society’s Facts and Figures, there were an estimated 148,610 new cases of colorectal cancer in the United States in 2006. Starting at age 50, men and women who are at average risk of colorectal cancer should be screened regularly.  Nearly 90 percent of all cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in people older than 50. Some men and women are at higher risk of the disease and may need to be tested earlier. Those at higher risk include:

• People with a personal or family history of benign colorectal polyps.
• People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
• People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s.
• Men and women who use tobacco, drink too much alcohol, are overweight or do not lead an active life.
• African Americans appear to be at higher risk for the disease and are often diagnosed at a younger age - they may need to begin screening at age 45.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is preventable, easy to treat and often curable when detected early.  Medical tests can show if you have polyps and they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Medical tests can also detect colon cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. 

Knowing the signs and when to have medical tests done can help you prevent and detect the polyps that cause this disease.  On March 13, Dr. Randy Howard, gastroenterologists, will host a FREE Lunch and Learn at Hendersonville Medical Center from noon – 1 p.m. to discuss the latest in prevention, medical tests and treatment options for colorectal cancer.  Lunch will be provided.  Registration is required, so call TriStar MedLine at 615-342-1919 or 1-800-242-5662 to reserve your space.

Hendersonville Medical Center, part of the TriStar Health System, is a 110-bed community-based medical center with comprehensive medical and surgical programs including Obstetrics, Cardiology, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery services.  Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Hendersonville Medical Center remains the only Accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County.  Portland Medical Center, a facility of Hendersonville Medical Center, joined the TriStar Health System in April 2006 and together, we are proudly serving the healthcare needs of Sumner County.

For more information about the services offered and health plans accepted by Hendersonville Medical Center, Portland Medical Center or TriStar Health System, call MedLine at 342-1919, toll-free outside of Nashville at 1-800-242-5662, or visit the website at TriStarHealth.com.