March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March 1, 2010 (Milwaukee, WI). Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group wants people to be aware of their risk for developing colorectal cancer, and options if they are diagnosed. In Wisconsin, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death; only lung cancer is greater. According to the American Cancer Society, 2,700 people each year are expected to develop colorectal cancer in Wisconsin.

“While we know some risks, scientists are still learning more about how people develop this disease, and early detection is key in detecting this cancer early and in effectively treating it,” said Shannon Graewin, M.D., General and Vascular Surgeon with Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group in Glendale, WI. “In fact, studies show that treatment with individuals diagnosed at an early stage can lead to a 90% 5-year survival rate.”

Known risk factors in developing colon cancer include:

Age – more than 90% of all cases are diagnosed in individuals age 50 or older
Genetics
Having a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Lifestyle attributes, such as physical inactivity, smoking, and diet low in fruits and vegetables can also increase risk. Studies show chemicals in red and processed meats and chemical changes in meats cooked at very high temperatures increase the risk of colorectal cancer

“If someone is battling inflammatory bowel disease, or has a family history of polyps or colon cancers, they should talk to their primary care doctor about getting screened at an earlier age,” Graewin said.

Screening options include colonoscopies, recommended every decade for individuals aged 50 and up; the U.S. Preventative Task Force on Healthcare recommended the use of Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT) as an inexpensive option for screening for colon cancer, stating the tests have improved in recent years; positive tests would result in a colonoscopy.

“Screening saves lives, and if someone is diagnosed early, their chances of beating this disease is very good” Graewin commented. Dr. Graewin is fellowship trained in laparoscopic techniques and provides the latest procedures for colorectal cancer, including laparoscopic colon resections and laparoscopic evaluation of the liver, in addition to the standard open operations. Laparoscopic colon resection allows small incisions by using a camera to aid in working in the abdomen. Because the incisions are much smaller, patients experience shorter recovery times and are able to get back more quickly to their daily lives.

“Not only can laparoscopic colon resections be more comfortable for patients, randomized control studies have shown that patients who have laparoscopic operations have significantly better survival from their cancer and fewer complications after surgery,” Dr. Graewin added.

For more information on these surgical procedures, or on free cancer talks near you, please visit www.mywheaton.com.

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Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare (WFH) is a Catholic, not-for-profit organization with more than 100 health and shelter organizations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado, and Illinois. Started by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters more than 125 years ago and formally incorporated in 1983, WFH has corporate services offices in Wheaton, Illinois and Glendale, Wisconsin.

In Southeast Wisconsin, WFH is co-sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscan and Felician Sisters and has nearly 12,000 associates, making it the second largest private employer in the area. Hospitals include All Saints in Racine County; Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph and The Wisconsin Heart Hospital Campuses, St. Francis, Franklin Hospital, and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Milwaukee County; and Elmbrook Memorial in Waukesha County. The region also includes Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group with more than 350 physicians in more than 50 locations, a network of outpatient centers, four long-term care facilities, Home Health, and Hospice.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is also affiliated with Affinity Healthcare in the Fox Valley and United Hospital System in Kenosha.