by Contributor | February 28, 2025 10:02 am
OSWEGO – March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Oswego Health[1] is committed to providing the community with crucial information about this preventable and treatable disease. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, it remains one of the most preventable cancers through timely regular screenings and lifestyle changes.
At Oswego Health, we’re dedicated to saving lives by raising awareness about the importance of appropriate screening and offering the resources and support needed for early detection. Colorectal cancer often begins as small, non-cancerous growths known as polyps, which can be detected and removed before they turn into cancer. Regular screening is the key to identifying these growths early when they are easier to treat and manage.
Mohammad Fahad Ali, MD, FACG, FASGE, DABOM,[2] Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Director of Endoscopy at the Center for Gastroenterology & Metabolic Diseases, highlights the growing concern of colorectal cancer in individuals under the age of 50. Due to this rise, the U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce and the American Cancer Society now recommend that adults at average risk begin screening at age 45.
“Screening is a powerful tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. Detecting cancer early not only makes treatment more effective but, in many cases, can prevent the cancer from developing altogether,” said Dr. Ali.
Oswego Health’s Center for Gastroenterology & Metabolic Diseases offers a range of screening options. The team of specialists will work with you to determine the best screening method for your individual needs based on risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
In addition to screenings, Oswego Health encourages everyone to make healthy lifestyle choices that can lower their risk, including:
While not all colorectal cancer can be prevented, these changes can significantly reduce your risk.
Symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer include:
Though these symptoms don’t always signal cancer, it is crucial to speak with your doctor if they persist. Early detection can make all the difference.
At Oswego Health, we help you take proactive steps toward better health. To schedule a screening or learn more about local gastroenterology services[3], contact the Center for Gastroenterology & Metabolic Diseasesat 315-312-0089.
Let’s work together to raise awareness, prevent colorectal cancer, and save lives.
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About Oswego Health:
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be Oswego County’s largest private employer. More than 1,400 employees spread throughout its 18 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 100+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org[4].
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