Colorectal Cancer Awareness Workshop at Philadelphia, PA

03.18.2007 Philadelphia, PA, USA

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world according to American Cancer Society (Source: www.cancer.org). In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 154,000 Americans will be diagnosed with this cancer and 52,000 people will die from it. However the hope is that early detection of this disease can prevent many of these deaths.

To bring about awareness about Colorectal cancer, BAPS Care International, along with the American Cancer Society and the AstraZeneca South Asian Network (an employee network group within AstraZeneca) organized a colorectal cancer awareness in Gujarati at the BAPS Care International center in Philadelphia on March 18, 2007.

In addition to explaining the different colorectal cancer screening recommendations Dr. Bindu Kansupada presented interactive steps that both men and women could take to prevent colorectal cancer. Quitting smoking, a low-fat vegetarian diet, daily exercise and regular testing are among the advice that he discussed with the audience.

The participants were also informed that during the month of March patients can receive free colorectal screenings at local area hospitals by calling American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER, or Colon Cancer Alliance at 1-877-422-2030.