According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America. The UAB Department of Surgery's Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery (GI) seeks to change that.
Starting in 2016, GI surgery supported a partnership with UAB Medicine and UAB Employee wellness and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT)– an organization created by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that spearheads the “80% in Every Community” initiative. Working with hospitals, health systems, clinics, employers and nonprofits, the NCCRT seeks to increase national colorectal screening rates to 80 percent through a “Love Your Bum” campaign and an annual Colon on the Corner event.
Though this year’s Colon on the Corner will not feature an inflatable colon in TKC, its mission, to increase screenings, will be the same. On Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021, Employee Wellness is hosting Colon on the Corner virtually for all UAB Medicine faculty, staff and trainees to participate in. Participants will watch a brief video and then are encouraged to take a survey to earn MHR points as well as a voucher for a free Dunkin’ Doughnuts coffee.
You may even see a few familiar faces in the video, like Asscoiate Professor Karin Hardiman, M.D., Ph.D., and Associate Vice Chair for Health Services Research Daniel Chu, M.D. In addition,the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery are sharing risk factors and signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer below:
Factors that may increase your risk for colon cancer include but are not limited to:
- Older age
- African-American race
- Family history of colon cancer
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Obesity
- High fat, low-fiber diet
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
- A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are at risk or experience any symptoms you should seek medical advice from your doctor. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers with early detection and UAB is committed to raising awareness about screening on time. Break the stigma in having conservations surrounding colorectal cancer by being proactive talking to your doctor about your health.
We know there is still some uncertainty around screenings during COVID-19. However, UAB has taken many additional steps by increasing cleanings and social distancing protocols to ensure a safe screening on campus. Delays in screenings prevent early detection and lead to many serious outcomes.
To learn more about colorectal cancer be sure to tune in to the 2021 Colon on the Corner video on Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 or reach out to your healthcare provider to learn more.