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| West Penn Allegheny Health System |
| Survivors Get the Word Out on Colorectal Cancer Screening at AGH’s Sixth Annual Big Blue Quest April |
| Date : - 09/04/2009 |
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Colon and rectal cancer survivors Ed Odorisio, 55, and Jim Semonik, 32, are all too aware of how delicately life hangs in the balance.
Both showed symptoms of colon and rectal cancer but delayed getting treatment. They were diagnosed in time, and after intensive radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, both are doing well.
Now both Odorisio of Greensburg and Semonik of Whitehall are eager to help spread the word on the need for screening and early detection of colorectal cancer, the nation’s second-most deadly cancer.
That’s why they’re participating in Allegheny General Hospital’s (AGH) sixth annual Big Blue Quest, a fun run and walk for colorectal cancer awareness and research, that will take place on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in North Park.
David Medich, M.D., director of the Division of Colorectal Surgery at AGH and founder of the Big Blue Quest, said colorectal cancer is highly curable when it is caught at an early stage. It’s estimated at least 60 percent of cancers could be prevented with regular screening.
“Cases such as Ed’s and Jim’s only underscore how important it is for people to know the symptoms of colon cancer and undergo the recommended screenings,” Dr. Medich said
“Thanks to events such as AGH’s Big Blue Quest, which help raise awareness about colorectal cancer and educate the public on how and when to be screened, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down,” Dr. Medich said.
The Big Blue Quest includes a 5K run/walk and a 2K fun walk, and T-shirts will be given to the first 1,000 registered participants, and a special gift will be given to participants who raise more than $100. The event will take place in North Park, South Ridge, near the swimming pool. A host of activities also will take place during the day, including refreshments, music and entertainment.
Pre-registration is $25 and race-day registration is $30. To register for the event, call 877-284-2000 or visit www.aghgiving.com.
Semonik, a musician, concert promoter and DJ specializing in electronic/industrial music, noticed in February 2008 that he was visiting the bathroom much more than usual. It became unbearable, and at one point he told his girlfriend, “Something’s wrong with me. I think I might have cancer.” He delayed visiting a doctor for lack of health insurance.
By the time he had a colonoscopy, a malignant rectal tumor had spread through the wall of his colon. Dr. Medich performed surgery, removing his rectum and about 15 inches of his colon. He will not need to wear a bag.
“They expect me to be fully cured,” Semonik said. He’s in good spirits and credits that to the support of family and friends, and his work, which he continued throughout his treatment. “You’ve got to keep doing what you love,” he said. “Never let cancer stand in the way of that.”
Odorisio, a former linebacker for the Penn State Nittany Lions, is coming up on his sixth cancer-free year. He wears a bracelet that says “Beatable, preventable, treatable,” which sums up his message to others about colon cancer.
During a routine checkup in March 2003, Odorisio mentioned that he had been passing blood. The symptom came and went, Odorisio said, and he only mentioned it to the doctor because he was also a personal friend.
A colonoscopy showed two malignant polyps and a five-centimeter tumor. A doctor told him he would have to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of his life, but Dr. Medich’s technique made it possible for him to go without the bag. Raising colon cancer awareness is now a crusade for him, he said.
“I have to tell people about it,” he said. “Hopefully, they listen. I tell them, ‘If you don’t care about yourself, then care about your family.’”
Colorectal cancer is the most common in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 112,340 new cases of colon cancer and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008. Combined, they will cause about 52,180 deaths.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer, include age, a history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a history of bowel disease, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking, race and ethnic background. Symptoms include blood in the stool, weight loss, constant tiredness, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and unexplained anemia.
According to Dr. Medich, screening is the best way to find polyps before they become cancers, and individuals should talk with their doctors about screening options
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| Reference : - www.wpahs.org |
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