March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

BRIDGTON — Bridgton Hospital will be "lighting the dome" of its main hospital entrance in blue lights in recognition of March as National Colorectal Awareness Month.

In addition, on Friday, March 4, the hospital will join the Colon Cancer Alliance by encouraging employees to "wear blue" in recognition of the importance of colorectal cancer screenings. The Dempsey Center for Cancer, Hope and Healing will display an information table at the hospital and will provide "blue ribbons" of awareness for visitors and staff to wear.

Information provided by the Center for Communicable Diseases notes that among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer– cancer of the colon or rectum – is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90 percent of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. It is estimated that as many as 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. The most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50.

Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you. These screening tests are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Colonoscopy (every 10 years), high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (every year) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years).

Talk to your primary care provider today. Bridgton Hospital is fortunate to have an excellent gastroenterologist on staff, Stuart Eisenberg, M.D. With your provider's referral, your screening colonoscopy can be scheduled in as soon as two weeks.

If you have further questions, or to have your provider schedule an appointment for your screening colonoscopy, please call 647-6240.