Princeton, NJ Health Care Guide Announcement

Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center To Hold Colorectal Screening Program September 15, 2010

The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 4,430 new
cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in New Jersey during 2010.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in
both men and women.  The death rate from this cancer has decreased
significantly over the past two decades due in part to improvements in
early detection and treatment.  The Cancer Education and Early Detection
(CEED) program will be hosting a community education program to discuss
the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) option for colorectal screening on
September 15th from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. in the conference room at Hunterdon
Regional Cancer Center.


The risk for colorectal cancer increases with age; more than 90% of all
cases are diagnosed in individuals who are 50 or older.  Individuals who
have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at a higher
risk for developing this cancer due to a possible gene mutation.  There
are several behavioral risk factors that can be modified such as
obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet
high in red and processed meats, and a diet low in fruits and
vegetables.

The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50 both
men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer
should begin screening.  Screening can result in the identification and
removal of suspicious polyps before they become cancerous in addition to
the detection of cancer at an early stage. Screening guidelines for
colorectal cancer offer a variety of options depending upon your health
status. It is important that you discuss with your health care provider
which option is the most appropriate.  Screening options include doing
one of the following:
?    A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
?    A colonoscopy every 10 years
?    A guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal
immunochemical test (FIT) every year

If you are concerned about not having insurance coverage for these
important screening tests, coverage may be available through the (CEED)
grant at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.  Please call Marge Vellotti
at (908) 237-5409 to see if you qualify for this program.

To register for this evening presentation on FIT screening, please call
(908)237-5409.

Hunterdon Medical Center
2100 Wescott Drive
Flemington, NJ 08822
Phone: 908-788-6515
Fax: 908-788-6526
www.hunterdonhealthcare.org