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Colorectal cancer information available An information session about colorectal cancer will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11 in the lobby of Children’s Hospital. For information, contact Lucretia D. Wilson, R.N., at wilsonld@musc.edu. by Lucretia D. Wilson, R.N. Digestive Disease Center March was National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month. However, awareness is a continuous process.  It can lead to increased knowledge, and increased knowledge provides empowerment to make life-sustaining choices and decisions.   Each year approximately 112,000 Americans are diagnosed and die from CRC. It is also estimated that 30,000 or more lives are saved each year through early detection and screening. The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) encourages every one aged 50 and older, or those under 50 with a family history or other risk factors, to be screened for CRC.  Some data suggest that blacks be screened at the age of 45 years old due to increased risk.    According to ASGE, colon cancer is the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Many believe it is predominately a men’s disease, but women are equally affected. Fortunately with increased awareness, screening and early detection, CRC is highly preventable and treatable. It also has an excellent cure rate.    Prevention methods of CRC include the following: discontinuing  smoking, eating  a diet that’s  low in fats, high in fiber with fruits and vegetables,  limiting  red meats to 9 ounces per week, taking antioxidants,  exercising 30 minutes, five times per week, and limiting alcohol consumption.   Screening is classified by the individual’s level of risk based on personal, family, and medical history, which will determine the appropriate approach to screening in that individual. Of the screening modalities offered, colonoscopy is the most effective because it is diagnostic and therapeutic. It allows the endoscopist to visualize the entire large intestine and remove polyps (growths which can develop in the colon) that are potentially cancerous.    Consult your primary care physician for evaluation of your colon screening needs. The bottom line is, don’t delay. Take action, get screened. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, April 6, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.