Yesterday as part of the Central Susquehanna Valley Colon Cancer Task Force, I was able to take part in a research iniative of the Northern Appalachi Cancer Network inconjuction with the Penn State Cancer Institute funded by the Lance Armstrong Foundation to enhance rural colon cancer survival.
Nine other groups along with our took part in this initiative from Pennsylvania and New York. Two important points that I would like to highlight are:
1.) Among all the surgeries for rectal cancer done by Penn State Hershey SINCE 2000, ONLY 5% RESULTED ON COLOSTOMIES. IN EDUCATING THE PUBLIC LET THEM KNOW THE A COLONOSCOPY WILL NOT LEAD DIRECTLY TO A COLOSTOMY.
2.) Dr. Elana Farace, Ph D, indicated that there is a link between depression and colon cancer in women. Due to time restraints, she couldn't go into to much detail. We all get depressed when we hear the words "You got cancer". Please talk to someone if your severely depressed.
Here is the website to the Penn State Cancer Institute:
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/cancer/
By the way, National Cancer Institute funding has been cut. (Thanks George!!!) Please remember this when you when you head to the polls this year.