September 14, 2006
By Karen Johnson, Marquette General Volunteers
Hospital Volunteers Learn
about Cancer Prevention at
UP District Hospital Advocates Meeting
Hospital volunteers from across the Upper Peninsula
met in Marquette recently to network, receive updates from the
state officers of the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates
(MAHA) and hear presentations by two physicians who practice at
Marquette General Hospital.
Presenting to this group of more than 60 volunteers from nine
different hospitals were Dr.
Jim Surrell, a digestive health specialist, and Radiologist
Dr.
Heidi Henry.
Dr. Surrell’s presentation, entitled, “Colorectal
Cancer Screening Made Easy” emphasized the fact that almost
100% of colon and rectal cancer is preventable through early detection.
According to Surrell, nearly all colon cancers start as a polyp.
Because colorectal cancer has no early symptoms, it is important
to have a colonoscopy, which is a safe and painless test. This
test screens for polyps, which can be easily removed before they
become a threat.
Because 93% of colon cancers appear in adults 50 years and older,
screening is important for everyone in that age group. Screening
should begin at 40 for individuals with a family history of colon
cancer or polyps; those with symptoms such as rectal bleeding,
weight loss or change in bowel habits should be screened immediately.
Surrell stated that some individuals postpone this procedure because
they dislike drinking the large quantity of liquid for bowel preparation.
He advised the group that there are other “preps”
available now to avoid having to drink this large quantity of
liquid.
Bottom line advice from Dr. Surrell is, “Get the test, Get
the Polyp, Get the Cure!”
“Understanding Your Mammogram” was presented by Dr.
Heidi Henry in an effort to encourage all women to get annual
screenings. Because 70% of all breast cancer occurs in women with
no risk factors, she encourages women to get their first screening
at age 40; earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer.
The key, according to Dr. Henry, is early detection. Annual screening
allows a greater opportunity for the doctor to catch any problem
in an early stage. She also encourages breast self-exams for this
same reason.
Many women complain that the mammogram is painful, but the few
minutes of compression are essential in allowing the radiologist
to see borders of structures or a potential mass that could otherwise
remain hidden. Yearly screening data is also useful in detecting
any subtle changes, especially with dense tissue.
Dr. Henry reminded the group to do their breast exam prior to
the mammogram and be sure to share the findings with their doctor.
For more information about the MAHA and volunteering at your local
hospital, or questions regarding Dr. Jim Surrell or Dr. Heidi
Henry, please call the Marquette
General Volunteer Department at 1-800-562-9753, extension
3280.
