Nacogdoches medical experts urge prevention, offer toll-free call line to help public schedule preventive screenings during pandemic.
March 16, 2021 – Colon cancer is a silent and often deadly disease, killing more than 50,000 each year in the United States. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Yet, it is largely preventable with screenings and curable if detected early. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colon cancer has been increasing in younger people. From 2012 through 2016, colon cancer increased every year by 2 percent in people younger than 50 and 1 percent in people ages 50 to 64.
The American Cancer Society and the U.S Preventive Task Force recently announced new recommendations that screenings for colon cancer should now begin at age 45, which is five years earlier than previously thought. As the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. coincides with Colon Cancer Awareness Month, physicians are urging people not to delay their screenings. Nearly 1 in 3 individuals are not up to date with their colon cancer screenings and that number could be higher since the pandemic began.
For that reason, the Nacogdoches Medical Center is offering a toll-free call line for the community to dial in that will connect them with a physician to schedule a screening for colon cancer.
The colon cancer screening scheduling call line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-833-837-8272
Steven Garcia, M.D., a gastrointestinal surgeon with Nacogdoches Medical Center, emphasizes that holding off on seeing a doctor, getting screened or going to the ER when needed can result in a greater risk of complications, disability and lengthier recovery times if conditions are left undiagnosed or untreated.
“The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to be screened regularly starting at age 45,” Dr. Garcia said. “We want to make it easy for people to simply call and connect with someone who can get them with a doctor for evaluation. Our clinics and hospitals follow COVID safety procedures so it’s safe for anyone to be seen. A phone call to connect with a doctor could save your life,” Dr. Garcia said.
Some individuals are at higher risk for colon cancer if they have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, a personal history of Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis that cause chronic inflammation of the small intestine or colon. Other risk factors for colon cancer include: obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking cigarettes and excessive consumption of alcohol.
Early detection and treatment results in a 90 percent survival rate and that 60 percent of colorectal cancer-related deaths could have been prevented with a screening.
Sources: American Cancer Society and Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
