National Colon Cancer Awareness Month observed in March

Dennis Owens, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at Western Baptist Hospital, won’t have any trouble wearing blue on March 5. Coincidentally, it’s the color of his favorite sports teams but, more importantly, the color designated to raise awareness for colon cancer.

Western Baptist’s Digestive Health Center is participating in the second annual national Dress in Blue Day on March 5 to observe National Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Owens has been treated successfully for colon cancer.

“If I can emphasize one message,” he said, “it is to be screened early. I almost waited too long.”

The American Cancer Society recommends adults 50 and older should be screened for colon cancer.

Owens was 53 when he noticed occasional shortness of breath after intense exercise. Laboratory tests showed he was anemic. To find the source of his anemia, a colonoscopy was recommended, which found cancer.

“The point is I felt fine,” he said. “I got up and went to work every day and worked out regularly. It would be hard for the average person to suspect colon cancer at that point.”

People with early-stage colon cancer often have no symptoms, said Russell Carter, M.D., gastroenterologist at Western Baptist. “That’s why we recommend regular screenings, beginning at age 50, or age 40 if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Polyps can become cancer.”

Coloncancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation. The mortality rate in Kentucky is among the highest, killing nearly 900 people each year. Nine out of 10 colon cancers may be prevented or cured if detected early.

Risk factors associated with colon cancer include family history, diet low in vegetables, excessive alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Colon cancer symptoms include rectal bleeding, change in bowel frequency or stool size, unexplained anemia or weight loss, fatigue, persistent abdominal pain and frequent vomiting.

Owens said if he had had a colonoscopy earlier, perhaps a pre-cancerous polyp could have been discovered and removed, avoiding surgical treatment. However, he considers himself lucky that the cancer was discovered then before it had spread. “I will be getting my colonoscopy now every time it is recommended,” he said.

Western Baptist will observe National Colon Cancer Awareness Month with several activities, including:

• Gary Bodnarchuk, M.D., a Western Baptist gastroenterologist, and Teresa Cash, R.N., director of outpatient services at Western Baptist, will answer questions about colon cancer at noon March 3 on WPSD Local 6.
• Western Baptist employees are encouraged to pay $5 to wear blue on March 5 to raise money and awareness for colon cancer.
• Colon cancer educational booths will be located outside of Western Baptist’s Center for Digestive Health in Doctors Office Building 3 on March 5.
• The hospital’s cafeteria will serve “blue plate specials” on March 5.
• Free colon cancer awareness luncheon with Dr. Russell Carter will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, March 29, in the Baptist Heart Center auditorium. A blue balloon release will follow. Phone (270) 575-2895 to register.