Page 9 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - March, 2018

9

Reduce risk of cancer

Colon cancer topic of diagnosed with colon cancer, Mammogram clinics
monthly Lunch & Learn which is why it’s crucial to see a
doctor if you are experiencing ASSURED IMAGING/SWEDISH MOBILE AT CTWC
By Frazier Myer, symptoms such as a change in A clinical breast exam with your medical CONTACT
Chehalis tribal member bowel movements that last more
than a month, blood in stool, provider must be completed prior to your Talk with
Chehalis tribal community unexplained sudden weight loss, mammogram appointment. Community
members and staff joined at the etc. Contact ARNPs Rita Mercer or Jennifer Wellness
Wellness Center for the monthly Although these symptoms O’Brien ARNP or Dr. Hang Chau-Glendinning Manager
Lunch & Learn on March 13. might seem vague or non- at 360-273-5504 to schedule an appointment.
Wellness Center provider Dr. threatening, this disease causes Christina Hicks
Chau-Glendinning led the class, thousands of deaths each year. Assured Imaging or Swedish mobile at 360-709-
which addressed colon cancer Early screening is important mammography will be at the Chehalis Tribal 1741 or chicks@
(colorectal cancer) statistics and because although the number Wellness Center at: chehalistribe.
information regarding various of younger adults receiving a n 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 28 (Assured) org to see
screening options. diagnosis is increasing, treatment whether you
Facts about colon cancer in is progressing and leading to a n 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 27 (Swedish) are eligible for
the United States: declining mortality rate. n 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 18 (Swedish) a mammogram
n Third most common cancer Dr. Chau-Glendinning n 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 13 (Assured) screening.
diagnosis expressed that the benefits of
n Affects 1 in 20 people screening or even early screening
n Second leading cause of for that matter, extremely
cancer-related deaths (lung cancer outweigh the risks of colon
is No. 1) cancer.
In addition to age, gender, race
and personal history, there are Pros and cons
many more risk factors for a high There are various screenings
susceptibility of developing colon available for colon cancer.
cancer. Those at the Lunch & Learn
These risk factors include had a round-table discussion on
low-fiber diet, high-fat diet, common types and pros and cons
inactive lifestyle, obesity, of different forms of screening.
diabetes, smoking, heavy drinking Screening types such as the
and family history/inherited fit test, flex sigmoidoscopy,
syndromes.
colonoscopy and CT colonography
Get screened were discussed.
The screening and treatment
The American Cancer Society a patient receives is based upon
(ACS) recommends the average- variables for each individual such
risk adult begin screening for as severity of the cancer (stage),
colon cancer at age 45. previous cancer diagnosis and
In recent years, medical insurance coverage.
providers have seen a rise in
adults in their 30s and 40s being Weigh options
To ensure the best possible
treatment, patients should consult
with their doctors and insurance
providers.
Doctors recommend a fit test
screening once a year, which can
be done at home and has no direct
risk to the colon.
The drawback of this annual
screening is that it can produce
false positives and doesn’t view the
entire colon. Therefore, cancer is
sometimes undetected.
A colonoscopy, which is only
recommended every five to 10
years, usually requires sedation
and comes with a small risk of
bleeding/infection.
The advantage of this type of
screening though are evident. A
Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center colonoscopy can view the entire
Dr. Chau-Glendinning discussed colon, detect diseases and is
colon cancer during the monthly proven to significantly lower the
Lunch & Learn on March 13. mortality rate 80-90 percent.