New Equipment at Windham Hospital Assists in Early Cancer Detection
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month –Informational Sessions Slated for WILI Radio and Mansfield Community Center
WILLIMANTIC, CT – March 2, 2010 – The month of March includes numerous national awareness campaigns that invite us to take responsibility for our own health. Among these is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative launched by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to heighten our awareness of this disease, and the ways in which we may avoid it.
With ACS guidelines in mind, Windham Hospital recently acquired some new high-definition monitors, colonoscopes and upper endoscopes to allow the best performance of these important procedures. Based on the latest fiber-optic technology, the new devices produce and display exam images in minute detail. This ensures that any abnormalities that might be present are not missed during screenings—they can be detected and treated immediately. The new equipment offers greater range of view, resulting in comprehensive imaging and shorter exam times.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects both men and women, and, according to ACS statistics, is the second-most deadly cancer in the US. The symptoms of the disease can be quite subtle—causing the illness to be dubbed a “silent killer.” The good news, though, is that preventive measures are effective nearly 90 percent of the time, and if detected early (when the cancer is in its early stages and can be more effectively treated), CRC responds well to treatment.
Your first step should be to talk with your healthcare provider about cancer screening and the steps you can take to protect against this deadly disease. The Windham area is fortunate to have a number of physicians skilled in colonoscopy. These physicians are gastroenterologist Dr. Ajit Kokkat, four general surgeons—Drs. David Kloss, Leszek Kolodziejczak Herb Ridyard, and Frank Siracusa—and internist Roger El-Hachem, who perform the screenings and offer treatment.
Good health is something we all desire, and with a few changes in lifestyle and diet, a knowledge of our family medical histories, and regular screening, better health is within our reach. We can defeat the enemy we call colon cancer!
Chief, Div. of Gastroenterology
Windham Hospital
Dr. Ajit Kokkat is one of several physicians who perform colorectal screening at Windham Hospital. Doctors Roger El-Hachem, David Kloss, Leszek Kolodziejczak, Herbert Ridyard, and Francis Siracusa also offer the screenings.
Colon Cancer Information Sessions Scheduled
In honor of the National Awareness Campaign, Windham Hospital has organized two informational events: Dr. David Kloss and nutritionist Lynne McPhee will be guests on Wayne Norman’s morning interview show on WILI 1400 AM Radio on Thursday, March 11, beginning at 7 AM; and on Thursday, March 24th at 7 PM, Ms. McPhee and Dr. Ajit Kokkat will co-host a Community Health Forum at the Mansfield Community Center. Both events will include discussion of cancer prevention, nutritional strategies, and screening options.
Colon Cancer-Busting Strategies
Change your diet. You’ve been meaning to lose a few pounds. Here’s another incentive: obesity increases the risk of getting colon cancer up to three-fold. The pattern of fat distribution is important, and people with abdominal fat top the risk charts for colon cancer, as well as a host of other health problems. Decrease your consumption of red meat. Western diets with high fat content have been blamed for increased incidence of colon cancer. Smoked and char-grilled red meats contain nitrosamines, which have been linked to colorectal cancer. Increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Diets with high fiber may protect against colon cancer. Fruits and vegetables also provide important anti-oxidants. Decrease your use of alcohol. If you drink more than one drink daily (women) or more than two drinks daily (for men), you are at an increased risk for cancer.
Change your habits. If you’re a smoker, quit. Smokers have 30% greater risk than non-smokers for developing colon cancer. They also develop colon cancer at an earlier age. There are several good programs to help smokers quit. Exercise often. Sedentary lifestyles are associated with colon cancer. Waste stays in the colon longer with inactivity and this could explain the link to colon cancer.
Know your family history. Detailed family records are essential for preventive medicine. A family history of colon polyps or cancer increases the risk of developing colon cancer. Also, knowing the age at which the family member developed colon cancer is extremely important—you have a lesser risk if your family member developed colon cancer after age 60. Your doctor may revise your screening intervals, depending on family history.
Regular screening tops the list of preventative measures. It’s safe, proven, and can be lifesaving. The very best screening tool is colonoscopy, and it is recommended every 10 years after the age of 50 (age 45 for African Americans), because colon polyps—present in 95% of colon cancers—become more common with age and are a significant indicator in cancer detection. These polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy.
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