Colorectal Awareness Month: Embarrassing to Discuss: Maybe. Potentially Deadly: Yes.
March 4, 2011
Embarrassing to Discuss: Maybe. Potentially Deadly: Yes.
March is reminder about why colorectal cancer shouldn’t be squeamish subject
CHARLESTON, SC – March 1, 2011 – There are many reasons why March is designated Colorectal Awareness Month. First, cancer of the colon and rectum is not fun to discuss and some people find it embarrassing so they avoid mentioning it, even to their doctors. Second, it is also scary as colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer-killer in America, according to the Colon Cancer Alliance. But, third and perhaps most important, is that colorectal cancer is preventable through screenings, which is why it needs to be discussed with the general physicians of both men and women.
It’s easier to say ‘Doctor screen my colon’ than it is to live with the unknown, said Jorge A. Lagares-Garcia, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Roper St. Francis Physician Partners. Colorectal cancer is treatable and beatable. Once a patient gets in the habit of regular screenings, they become routine…a potentially lifesaving routine.
Dr. Lagares-Garcia (pictured above) who is a nationally-recognized colon and rectal surgeon, offers this basic information about why people ages 50 and older should request regular screenings from their general practitioners:
WHY: Because in 2010 alone, close to 103,000 new cases of colon cancer were detected according to the American Cancer Society.
WHO: Everyone 50 or older; those whose immediate family members have had colon cancer, colon polyps or long standing ulcerative colitis.
WHAT: Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.
DIAGNOSING: Screening is important because colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms.
TREATMENT: Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location and size, as well as the age and health of the patient. Surgery is the most common treatment.
Lagares-Garcia, who is board certified in General and Colon and Rectal Surgery, is specialty-trained in colorectal surgery using the daVinci Robotic Surgical System, a minimally invasive robotic assisted system that enhances precision and accuracy.
He practices with Roper St. Francis Cancer Care at locations including the new cancer center located on the campus of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley as well as at Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital and Roper Hospital downtown.
For more on colorectal cancer, please visit http://healthlibrary.rsfh.com/Library/Encyclopedia/85,P00362.
