March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals from around the Quad Cities are joining forces to spread the word about how to prevent colon cancer. This coalition, Colon Cancer Free QCA, includes physicians and their staff members from The Center for Digestive Health, Digestive Disease Center, Eastern Iowa Gastroenterology, PLC, Gastroenterology Consultants, S.C., Gastroenterology Associates, P.C., Gastrointestinal Clinic of the Quad Cities, Regional Surgicenter, Genesis Medical Center and Trinity Medial Center.
"We felt this partnership was necessary, because despite the fact that colon cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer, it is also the most preventable," said Dr. Erling Larson III of Gastroenterology Associates, P.C. and The Center for Digestive Health. The disease affects men and women equally and colonoscopies are the most effective prevention method.
"Colon cancer is the second most common cancer killer," expressed Dr. Rao Movva, medical director at Gastroenterology Consultants, S.C. "However, if the cancer is detected early, your chance at survival is about 90 percent." People with an average risk for colon cancer should be tested at age 50. However, screenings should begin at age 40 if you have a family history of colon cancer. Dr. Sreenivas Chintalapani of Digestive Disease Center states, "Colon cancer also does not discriminate. It crosses all social economic lines."
Colon Cancer Free QCA will be running public service announcements throughout the month of March and will end the month with an event on Saturday, March 27 at the Radisson Hotel in Davenport. This event will include entertainment from Comedy Sportz, along with a few local colon cancer survivors who will tell their story. Admission to this event is just $35.00 and all proceeds will go to Gilda's Club of The Quad Cities. Please make your reservation today at www.coloncancerfreeqca.com.
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