​Norwood Hospital Recognizes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

From Norwood Hospital: Colorectal cancer screening has been proven to save lives. Norwood Hospital has pledged to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (a coalition co-founded by ACS and CDC). The goal of the campaign is to have 80% of adults aged 50 and older regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. when men and women are combined; however it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through a colonoscopy screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer.

“Colon cancer is a major public health problem, and adults age 50 and older should be regularly screened for it, but we have found that many people aren’t getting a screening colonoscopy because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand what the recommendation is, or don’t think they can afford it,” said Matthew Sullivan, MD, Chief of Gastroenterology for Norwood Hospital. “The truth is that whether you like it or not, aging puts you at greater risk for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms, so most everyone 50 and older should get screened by colonoscopy and many insurance plans do, in fact, cover this important screening.”

Individuals should consult with their primary care physician or gastroenterologist about preventative colon cancer screening by colonoscopy. To request a consultation for a screening colonoscopy, please call: 781-278-6397.

About Norwood Hospital

Norwood Hospital is a full-service, 215-bed community hospital for adults and children with a focus on delivering world-class health care along with the latest advances in technology and treatment options. Norwood Hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines over 3,000 physicians, 10 acute care hospitals, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care. Additional information is available at www.norwood-hospital.org

Photo courtesy of Norwood Hospital