About Tribune & Georgian (Athens, Ga) 2002-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 4, 2018)
Thursday, January 4,2018 Tribune & Georgian 7A THIS WEEK’S Wellness HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS | JANUARY 4, 2018 Southeast Georgia Health System Looking to Stop Cancer in Its Tracks? Early Detection Is Key! Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer — also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer — is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. But early screening measures can help stop cancer in its tracks. “Through screening with a colonoscopy, colon polyps are found early and removed before they develop into colorectal cancer,” says Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Gastroenterology, a strategic affiliate of the Health System. “There is a 90 percent risk reduction of colorectal cancer following the procedure.” For most people, age 50 is the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening; and age 45 is the recommendation for African- Americans. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy every five years, beginning 10 years before the age at diagnosis of the youngest affected relative or at age 40, whichever comes first. “Colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps do not always present with symptoms, and that is why screenings are so important,” Dr. Agresti says. “Symptoms may include blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, anemia and unexplainable weight loss. If there is any blood in the stool, on toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl, a colonoscopy should be performed as soon as possible.” Although colonoscopies are the most common screening option, other options include: • CT colonography (or virtual colonoscopy) • Sigmoidoscopy, which is similar to a colonoscopy but is a partial exam that only covers the left side of the colon • High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) • Stool DNA test (FIT-DNA) In addition to screenings, Dr. Agresti recommends that patients exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and eat a well-balanced diet, rich in vegetables. If colorectal cancer is detected, available treatment options are then discussed with a team of surgeons, an oncologist and a gastroenterologist. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, obesity, tobacco use and an inactive lifestyle. Risk also increases with age. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancers occur in people ages 50 and older, according to the Colon Cancer Alliance. “If you think you may be at increased risk, speak to your primary care doctor or one of our gastroenterologists about when to begin screening and determine how often to get tested,” advises Dr. Agresti. Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Gastroenterology 2040 Dan Proctor Drive, Suite 210, St. Marys, GA 31558 Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D. David Whitehead, M.D. Huitt Mattox III, M.D. Deborah Lindahl, NP-C Darrell E. Schwertner, M.D. LeVinchi C. Oglesby, N.P. To schedule an appointment, call 912-576-6434. Most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, are accepted. A Breath of Fresh Air. As leading providers of pulmonary care in Southeast Georgia, we’re here to help you or your loved one breathe easier. Get the care you need for lung conditions, including: Asthma | Pulmonary Hypertension COPD | Lung Cancer Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome YOUR TRUSTED PULMONARY PHYSICIANS For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-855-ASK-SGHS (1-855-275-7447). SOUTHEAST GEORGIA physician associates Southeast Georgia Health System Medical Pavilion 2040 Dan Proctor Drive Pulmonary suite 120 Medicine st. Mar ys , ga 3155s A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System ©2018 SGHS c are You Can Trust in Your Community Southeast Georgia Health System is changing the health care landscape of our community for the better. Offering a wide array of quality health care services close to home is part of our ongoing commitment to bringing comfort and convenience to you, our neighbor. Southeast Georgia Physician Associates*: Camden General Surgery: 912-576-6340 Camden Pediatrics: 912-673-8000 Camden Primary Care: 912-882-6767 Ear, Nose & Throat: 912-466-7280 Gastroenterology: 912-576-6434 Hematology & Oncology: 912-466-5506 Obstetrics & Gynecology: 912-540-6750 Pulmonary Medicine: 912-466-5504 Radiation Oncology: 912-576-6320 Urology: 912-265-1300 Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery: 912-576-6355 To find a provider that fits your health care needs or for more information about Southeast Georgia Health System medical staff, please call 1-855-ASK-SGHS (1-855-275-7447). Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Campus 2000 Dan Proctor Drive • St. Marys, GA 31558 912-576-6200 • sghs.org ‘Strategic affiliates of Southeast Georgia Health System. Notice of nondiscrimination: sghs.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination For more information, visit sghs.org. Brunswick Campus: 2415 Parkwood Drive • Brunswick, GA 31520 • 912-466-7000 Camden Campus: 2000 Dan Proctor Drive • St. Marys, GA 31558 • 912-576-6200 1/2018 Notice of nondiscrimination: sghs.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination ©201s sghs
