On Sunday, March 17, Doctors Community Hospital’s Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening and Treatment (CPEST) program will hold its third annual 5K Walk/Run event at Schrom Hills Park located at in Greenbelt, MD, beginning at 7:30 a.m. to raise awareness about this type of cancer.
Colorectal cancer is often preventable and curable with early detection. The American Cancer Society estimates that 2,620 diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer with about 880 related deaths in 2019. “These startling numbers are part of the reason why awareness and education is so important,” explained Kwanza Graham-Sykes, program administrator at Doctors Community Hospital’s Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening and Treatment (CPEST) Program. “Equipped with the right information and access to the right tools, people can improve their health. At the same time, they can educate others within their sphere of influence – creating a cycle of improved health and wellness.”
Colorectal cancer is a disease that often occurs in the colon or rectum. Beginning at age 50 or where there is a family history of the disease, both men and women should receive colonoscopy screenings. Also, people should recognize some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- Blood in or on the stool (bowel movement)
- Lump in the abdomen
- Cramps or pain in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Flat or ribbon-shaped stool
In addition to colonoscopies, people may help prevent this disease by:
- Being physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Transitioning to a healthy eating lifestyle
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Not smoking
To improve access to life-saving screenings, Doctors Community Hospital provides “no cost to you” colonoscopies – not just in March, but throughout the year. Community members may qualify for free colonoscopy if they are:
- Prince George’s County residents
- Ages 50 to 75
- Younger than age 50 with a family history of colorectal cancer
- Uninsured or underinsured
For more information about Doctors Community Hospital’s free colorectal cancer screening program, community walk and educational opportunities, call 301-324-4968 or 301-552-7705. To register for the walk, visit https://raceroster.com/events/
Doctors Community Health System is a network of medical and surgical services provided throughout Prince George’s County and in Anne Arundel County. At the heart of this network is its flagship – Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland. To complement the hospital’s high-quality and comprehensive services, the system has more than a dozen centers of care in Bowie, Camp Springs, Crofton, District Heights, Hyattsville, Lanham, Largo, Laurel, Riverdale and Temple Hills. Also, the hospital has been rated as a high-performing facility for heart failure by U.S. News & World Report in 2017-2018 and designated as a primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. The system has experienced physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who specialize in:
- Ambulatory Surgery
- Breast Health
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetes Education
- Digestive Disease Care
- Emergency Services
- Imaging Services
- Infusion Care
- Orthopedic Services
- Primary Care and Family Medicine
- Radiation Oncology
- Rehabilitation Program
- Sleep Care
- Surgical Services
- Transitional Care
- Wound Care
For more information, visit DCHweb.org or call 301-DCH-4YOU (301-324-4968).
