AGH Recognizes Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Nine out of 10 colon cancers could be prevented or successfully treated with regular screenings. Colon cancer strikes nearly equal numbers of men and women. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men and women get screened for colon cancer at age 50 and African-Americans should begin their screening at age 45. You may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if you have had colon cancer, colon polyps, ovarian, breast or uterine cancer, if you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or you have a genetic syndrome, such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is the gold standard when it comes to colon cancer screening.

A few lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of colon cancer. Cutting out fatty foods and adding more cruciferous vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains to your plate is a great start. Additionally, adding in calcium and vitamin D, participating in moderate exercise, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking are all helpful ways to protect against colon and other cancers.

For more information on the Atlantic General Endoscopy Center please visit www.atlanticgeneral.org/endo.

About Atlantic General Hospital

Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of adedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md. combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.