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Colorectal cancer awareness recognized |
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Written by Tatiana Rodriguez
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Thursday, 10 April 2008 |
The Sweetwater city commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming 2008 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Year at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Davor Vugrin, MD, FACP, director of the cancer control clinic in Lubbock gave a presentation on the need for coordinated action against colorectal cancer in Texas.
“Colorectal cancer (CRC) came to the attention of public health officials and cancer control experts in the USA because it is one of the most common cancers and second most common cause of cancer death,” said Vugrin. He stated that most cancers can be prevented from occurring and most deaths can be avoided if screening and treatment technologies are consistently applied to the entire population at risk and that community attitudes had a major impact on getting those at risk to be tested. He said that individuals age 50 and older should be tested for colorectal cancer, since the early stages of colorectal cancer usually produces no symptoms. Most colorectal cancers can be prevented from occurring by removing early developing colon polyps. Treatment of early CRC results in over 90% cure rates.
The city commission “recognizes the importance of eliminating colorectal cancer as a cause of illness and death for the well-being and prosperity of our community and therefore proclaim and dedicate the year 2008 to Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Year in the city of Sweetwater.” Commissioners encouraged all citizens to take the initiative and discuss with their health care provider the necessary screening tests for detection of colon polyps and early cancer “so that we can all enjoy full and healthy lives.” |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 11 April 2008 )
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