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MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006 -- 8:43 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
 Audio - 1:46
Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville reminds people to get screened for Colon Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the third most common type of cancer overall. In 2005 alone, experts estimate colorectal claimed 56,290 lives.
But there is some good news, according to Lora Wagner with Memorial Medical Center.
“If you get in here early, they can screen and look at the polyps or any irregular growths and take them out before they would turn cancerous,” Wagner says. “In addition, if you actually have some cancerous growths, but you’re screened early, they can remove them when they’re still small.”
Experts recommend most people age 50 or older get screened. “However, if you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors, you might want to get screened earlier,” Wagner says.
The choice of screening strategy should be based, among other things, on patient preference, adherence, and resources for testing and follow-up.
Wagner says there’s more good news for people with Medicare: many screening methods are covered.
“Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services is doing a big push trying to let the public know that Medicare does cover (many of) the tests,” Wagner says.
Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville has the ability to perform the screenings in-house. You can call them at 743-3101 for more information. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
On The Web: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Memorial Medical Center
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