Striving for a healthy community

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma are offering free screening kits. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the rates have been in decline in the past couple years, yet the numbers remain high.

If a colorectal cancer patient is not a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, surgical intervention of their tumor can still be administered through the use of an open incision.

There is more than one test for finding colorectal cancer, including easy tests done in the privacy of your home, the release said. This is a simple, convenient and cost effective screening option that does not require any diet or medication adjustments. The pharmacies will mail the kits to lab for testing.

It's the time of the year dedicated to colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer this year. However, significant progress has been made in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer due to the increasing availability and utilization of colorectal cancer screening tests. If you are 50 or older, talk to your doctor and get the test that is right for you.

What are some signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? Surgical intervention is most often the first line of treatment upon a colorectal cancer diagnosis, and can be curative if the cancer is caught at an early stage.

The Cancer Services Program of Monroe County, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center's Center for Community Health, is on a mission in March to make the community healthier. At Cone Health Cancer Center, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other related medical providers meet each week to discuss and develop the best treatment plan for each individual patient with colorectal cancer.

The Erie County Department of Health aims to raise awareness by having individuals wear blue on National Dress in Blue Day, Friday, March 4.

The Building Blue Bridges reception will include a spectacular viewing of the 35W bridge lit blue to celebrate Colon Cancer Awareness. KCP's mission is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality by promoting cancer education, research and service programs.