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Gastrolntestinal Healthcare will be a Silver Sponsor of this year’s Get Your Rear in Gear, a multi-city event designed to promote colon cancer awareness and provide support for those affected by the disease. The 5K timed walk/run will be held at Fred Fletcher Park in Raleigh on Saturday, March 6 and will begin at 9:00 am. In addition to its sponsorship, GastroIntestinal Healthcare is also forming a team made up of practice members, patients, and friends and family members.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there were over 106,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2009. Men and women are at equal risk for colon cancer with the disease being most common among people aged 50 and older. Dr. Boris Cvetkovski, co-owner of GastroIntestinal Healthcare, explains that in most people, colorectal cancers develop slowly and over several years. He says that the time to get a screening is before a problem is suspected.
“Regular colon screenings are the best way to prevent colorectal cancer,” says Dr. Cvetkovski. “It may take up to 10 years for polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. In many cases, screenings can prevent colorectal cancer altogether by detecting polyps before they turn into cancer. Also, annual screenings can detect colorectal cancer at its earliest stage, when it’s highly curable.”
Dr. Cvetkovski adds that because colorectal cancer doesn’t discriminate, it’s important to understand the risk factors involved and for individuals to talk with their physicians to determine which tests are right for them.
“GastroIntestinal Healthcare usually recommends beginning regular colon screenings at age 50 if there are no identified risk factors,” says Dr. Cvetkovski. “Those with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps should talk with their doctor and consider earlier and possibly more frequent screenings. The most important thing to remember is that over 75 percent of colon cancers happen to individuals with absolutely no known risk factors, making regular screenings even more vital.”
In addition to screenings, individuals looking to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer should eat a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoid tobacco products, consume alcohol in moderation, and engage in moderate exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four times a week.
About GastroIntestinal Healthcare
GastroIntestinal Healthcare (gihealthcare.net) provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy, including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. GastroIntestinal Healthcare is the only gastrointestinal practice in the area with its own on-site licensed surgical center and is accredited and fully certified by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (Medicare), Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina. For more information, call (919) 870-1311.
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