State takes aim at colon cancer

Delaware ranks No. 1 when it comes to colon cancer screenings, thanks in part to programs aimed at saving lives.

“Screening can really save lives,” said Dr. Aasim Sehbai, medical oncologist, who meets with patients at Tunnell Cancer Center on Route 24 outside Rehoboth Beach.

Statewide, two programs, Nurse Navigator and Screening for Life, have improved the number of people who are seeking colonoscopies and made the procedure available to low-income residents. Nationally, Delaware has the highest rate of screening prevalence, Sehbai said.

Nurse navigators raise awareness in the community through programs, pamphlets and screening events. Everyone 50 and older in Delaware is eligible for a cancer screening; people with financial concerns can find help by calling 211 in Delaware.

After the initial screening, a second colonoscopy is not needed for 10 years in most cases.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, with events planned throughout the state to educate residents about the disease.

In 201, 430 cases were diagnosed in Delaware. Of those, 160 people died from the disease, a rate that hasn’t changed much since 2006.

“Not much has changed in terms of numbers, even though we are much more successful at diagnosing colon cancer,” Sehbai said. “Nationwide, numbers have gone down because medical professionals take a much more aggressive approach.”

At age 50, all people should have a colonoscopy, said Sehbai. Awareness of colon cancer has increased awareness of the test, but Sehbai said many people do not regularly see a doctor, and therefore might not know to get the test.

“More than 70 percent who should be screened are getting screened,” said Sehbai.

More awareness is needed in African American and Hispanic populations, however, because they often have a higher risk for colon cancer, he said.

Symptoms of colon cancer include rapid weight loss, change in bowel movements, blood in stool and abdominal pain.

“Only 30 percent of those diagnosed are Stage Four or terminal,” said Sehbai. “The earlier stages have more than an 80 percent chance of survival.”

For more information on colon cancer screenings, visit the Delaware Cancer Consortium at www.delawarecancerconsortium.org and search colon cancer. For screening locations, call 211 in Delaware.

Colon Cancer Alliance enlarging presence in region

Andrea Forsyth moved to Rehoboth Beach during the last year of her husband’s life.

He wanted her to be settled before he passed away from colon cancer – a disease that went undiagnosed until it was at its fatal stage.

Forsyth, a nurse and now colon cancer advocate with Colon Cancer Alliance, said awareness and education could lead to fewer deaths.

“When my husband and I were going through this, there really wasn’t a lot of support,” said Forsyth, whose husband died in 2010.

She became involved with Colon Cancer Alliance because it provides online information, statistics, screening locations, and much more to help families struggling with the disease.

“I really want to get the message out that 90 percent of the cases caught early are cured,” Forsyth said. “There are screenings available, and people are out there to help provide support and comfort.”

For more information on Colon Cancer Alliance, visit www.ccalliance.org.