St Ritas Hosts 14th Annual Colorectal Cancer Summit

(LIMA; February 28, 2017) March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. St. Rita’s Health Partners and the Northwest Ohio Colorectal Cancer Awareness Coalition will begin the month with the 14th Annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Summit. The summit’s topics include: best methods of encouraging screening, colon cancer screening, and prevention and genetics associated with colon cancer screening.

“Colon cancer can be prevented or if found early cured, unfortunately approximately ½ of our patients present with advanced stage III and IV cancer which is more difficult to treat and cure,” Dr. Richard R. Capone, gastroenterologist at St. Rita’s Professional Services Physicians Inc., said.

The conference is Thursday, March 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Rita’s Auxiliary Conference Room located at 718 W. Market St. Lima, Ohio 45801. Dr. Capone will be leading the discussion. He will be available to interview with media at 5:30 p.m.to raise awareness about colon cancer, and early detection and screening.

“Further educating our primary care providers, coalition members and the public in our 10 county area about colon cancer is important,” Dr. Capone said.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths together in men and women. However, we have seen a 3 percent decrease every year in colon cancer deaths in the past 15 years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a huge factor in preventing this type of cancer. Screening starting at age 50 and the removal of all polyps is also key to early diagnosis and cure. The summit is open to physicians, nurses, primary care providers and coalition members. To learn how to become a part of the coalition please contact Karen Kettler, RN, OCN at St. Rita’s, at: 419-996-5616.

The mission of the Northwest Ohio Colorectal Cancer Awareness Coalition is to significantly decrease the colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in our area and improve the quality of life for all of our colorectal cancer survivors.