Tackle Colon Cancer - Join the Green Team
Did you know that Colorectal Cancer is our nation's number two cancer killer?
Proper screening and testing can find colorectal cancer in its early stages when it can be treated and defeated, curing up to 90% of cases.
Inova Health System, The American Cancer Society, Aetna and Darrell Green Enterprises have formed a partnership to promote education, awareness and the importance of screenings. If you have questions or would like information sent to you, please contact Peggy Cressy, Director of Community Health, Inova Health System at 703-321-1989.
Who's at Risk?
- Men and women 50 years and older
- People with a family or personal history of intestinal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer (including colon, breast, endometrial or ovarian cancer)
- People who are physically inactive
- People who eat high-fat, low-fiber diets
- Tobacco users
Colon cancer, in its early stages, often has no symptoms. Beginning at age 50, men and women should be screened regularly for colon cancer. If you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, intestinal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or other cancers including ovarian, breast or endometrial cancer, you may need to be screened earlier and more often.
How Can I Reduce my Risk?
- Get regular screenings starting at age 50
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods
- Limit foods high in fat
- Don't use tobacco products
- Get moderate exercise, such as walking, at lease three or four times a week
- Know your family's medical history
Spotlight on Colorectal Cancer
- Lectures
- Continuing Medical Education lectures
- Physician views
- Testimonials
- Local physician referrals
- Community resources
- Feedback
- Related sites
For more information, please contact Peggy Cressy, Director of Community Health, Inova Health System at 703-321-1989.
Darrell Green is a member of the Colorectal Cancer Partnership (Aetna, American Cancer Society, Darrell Green Enterprises and Inova Health System). The partnership was formed in 2001 to help promote awareness, education, prevention and early detection of colon cancer.
Symptoms
- Rectal bleeding
- Stomach cramps
- Weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Change in bowel habits
- There may be no symptoms
Suggested Tests for Colon Cancer Screening
- Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT), combined with a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
- Yearly fecal occult blood test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
- Double contrast barium enema every five years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
