GI Center Educates Patients During Colorectal Cancer Awareness ...

HOUSTON?Last month was Colon Cancer Awareness Month and gastroenterology facilities across the country commemorated it in various ways. One Houston colorectal surgeon Dr. Eric Haas, and his fellow medical professionals at Colorectal Surgical Associates decided to educate the public about the importance of colon cancer screenings.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but is highly treatable if caught early. And, colon cancer is one of a handful of cancers that can be prevented with early detection from a comprehensive colon cancer screening.

Haas and his team contributed their efforts during a colon cancer awareness walk and run, which he said was an excellent way to raise awareness because it involves the grassroots movement of those affected by colon cancer.

And this year, during March they were able to gain media coverage through the local NBC and ABC affiliates in Houston and spread the word on air. Haas worked with the hospital to create a tip sheet of ten bullet points for good colon health that was circulated and picked up by a Saturday morning show that ran a live question and answer session.

The media coverage highlighted one of the struggles of reaching out to the community, Haas said. With so many different cancers and fundraisers out there, it can seem like colon cancer gets left behind, he explained, adding that it's not just getting the information out to the community but getting them interested in it as well.

Now that more people are at least familiar with colon cancer, awareness now focuses more on getting information about screenings to younger generations and letting people know of advancements in treatment for colon cancer.

"It's not just about getting information out there, but we're trying to tell patients about treatment for colon cancer as well," Haas said.

Source: http://www.endonurse.com/news/2013/04/gi-center-educates-patients-during-colorectal-can.aspx

groundhog soulja boy punxsutawney phil ground hog groundhog day 2012 serrano staten island chuck