Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute Offers Free Colon Cancer Screening Kits in March

Winchester, Mass. – According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is estimated that more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and nearly 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year, causing a combined total of nearly 50,000 deaths.
 
Over the past 15 years, however, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been declining due to screenings through which polyps can be found and removed before becoming cancerous. In addition to improved treatments, colorectal cancer is easier to cure when it is discovered early.
 
In recognition of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, Winchester Hospital is offering free colon cancer screening kits to community members. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is included for use in returning the test to Winchester Hospital’s lab for free analysis.
 
While the cause of most colorectal cancers is unknown, the good news is they are largely preventable and treatable. Diets high in fruits and vegetables instead of red and processed meats can lower the risk. Additionally, people who smoke, are overweight, don’t exercise, use alcohol heavily and have type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing as well as dying from the disease.
 
Other risk factors, however, are unavoidable. Ninety percent of people who develop colorectal cancer are older than age 50. Also, people who have previously had an incidence of colorectal cancer, polyps or the bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are at increased risk.
 
Those with a family history of colorectal cancer are advised to talk to their doctor about when and how often to have screening tests. The American Cancer Society recommends stool DNA testing and CT colonography beginning at age 50 for men and women at average risk of developing the disease. Those at higher risk may be advised to begin screening methods earlier.
 
Free colon cancer screening kits will be available through Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute on Tuesday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Reading Public Library (64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading); on Tuesday, March 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the lobby of the Family Medical Center (500 Salem St., Wilmington); and on Wednesday, March 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., outside the cafeteria at Winchester Hospital (41 Highland Avenue, Winchester). Additionally, a colon cancer awareness information table will be on display at the Reading Public Library between March 8-19.
 
For more information or a free colon cancer screening kit by mail, call Jennifer Donnelly at Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4720.
 
About Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute
Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute is committed to helping community members take responsibility for their health and well-being by offering the education and resources that change lives. Established in 1996, the Community Health Institute provides more than 30 programs and services throughout the year, with offerings in disease management, childbirth, integrative therapies, fitness, yoga, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, CPR and first aid, weight management, career services and support groups. The institute is also home to two retail services: A Caring Place, which features wigs, bras, prostheses and head coverings for women living with cancer; and the Lactation Center Boutique, which offers the highest-quality breastfeeding supplies and support. Unless otherwise indicated within the program’s description, for more information or to register, please call the Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4700 or visit www.winchesterhospital.org.

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