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Even when she’s not caring for patients in the BWH Endoscopy Center, Camille Salvaggio, RN, CGRN, keeps educating people about the danger of colorectal cancer.
“I always find myself talking to people about my line of work, and I use that as an opportunity to tell them that screening is an easy thing they can do to prevent a big health problem in the future,” said Salvaggio, who has been an endoscopy nurse since 1980.
Although one of the most preventable forms of cancer, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the country. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the BWH Endoscopy Center is urging people to combat this disease by getting screened.
“If everyone were to have a screening colonoscopy, most colorectal cancers could be prevented or at least detected early,” said Elena Martinez Stoffel, MD, MPH, of the BWH Division of Gastroenterology.
This month, as part a statewide effort to raise awareness of colorectal cancer, BWH is joining forces with other organizations, including the American Gastroenterological Association, the American Cancer Society and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to host the first Massachusetts Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Screening Day. This pilot state program aims to raise awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening.
Only patients previously identified by health organizations will be screened on this day, but there are plans to make it a larger statewide and national event in March 2010.
“Lack of awareness about the need for screening as well as lack of health insurance are major barriers to cancer prevention and early detection,” said John Saltzman, MD, director of BWH Endoscopy. “This event will enable BWH to offer vital screening to individuals who could not otherwise afford it.”
Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, certain medical conditions and a family history of cancer can increase an individual’s risk. BWH Endoscopy staff encourage everyone to manage risk factors, such as diet and exercise, that can be controlled. Talk to your primary care physician to determine whether you need a colonoscopy.