COLUMBUS — Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle and two local physicians’ groups are teaming up to offer free colon cancer awareness consultations for the public later this month in recognition of colon cancer awareness month in March.
Physicians with BMG–Golden Triangle General and Vascular Surgery and Gastroenterology Associates of Columbus will be available at the hospital’s Outpatient Pavilion from 8:00 to noon on Saturday, March 20 and Saturday, March 27, to discuss all aspects of colon health, including risk factors, testing and treatment options for colorectal cancer.
Due to social distancing and privacy requirements, appointments are required by calling 662-244-2979 or 800-544-8762, ext. 2979.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United Stated, according to the National Institutes of Health. There’s no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer. But there are things a person can do to help lower their risk, such as changing the risk factors that can be controlled such as being overweight; lack of physical activity; a diet that is high in red meats; a low vitamin D level; smoking; and moderate to heavy alcohol use.
When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent. But only about four out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. When cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower, according to the National Cancer Society.
“We are excited that these physicians are giving up their personal time to make themselves available to the public to answer questions about colon health. Studies show that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome for the patient,” said Ashleigh Guyton, Baptist Golden Triangle community relations coordinator
“National surveys show that about half of the public say they have skipped or postponed medical screenings such as colonoscopies, because of COVID. We may not know for years what the long-term effects these delays will have on the number of people diagnosed with cancer in the later stages when it is more difficult to treat,” she added. “We highly encourage the public to take advantage of this opportunity for this free consultation time with a physician to get their questions answered and to learn more about this disease.”
Everyone is required to wear a mask. There will be free gifts for everyone who attends and refreshments will be available both Saturdays. For more information, call Guyton at 244-1132 or 800-544-8762, ext. 1132.
With 315 beds, Baptist Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospital affiliated with the Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Memorial Health Care system. With physicians and surgeons representing almost every medical specialty practicing at the hospital, Baptist Golden Triangle offers a wide range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages.
The hospital offers a variety of services to the community, including the Baptist Cancer Center, Baptist Behavioral Health Care for those with behavioral and mental health problems, an emergency room with 24-hour ambulance service, an extensive rehabilitation department, and educational programs. Baptist Golden Triangle employs more than 1,000 health care professionals.
For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit http://goldentriangle.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Baptistgoldentriangle
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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