FORT LEE Va. (Feb. 25, 2016) -- Kenner Army Health Clinic takes an active role in wellness education to promote the health of its beneficiaries. Recognizing the importance of early detection with preventive health screenings is a part of Kenner "mission of care."
Disease Management provides education, resources and community outreach services to beneficiaries for management of their health care needs. Educational displays are provided monthly in the pharmacy lobby area along with the medical staff sending reminders to beneficiaries overdue for annual health screenings for colon cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
In March, Disease Management will spotlight the importance of colon cancer screenings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests regular screenings beginning at age 50 as the key measure in preventing colorectal cancer. People older than 75 should ask their doctor if screenings are needed more or less often. About nine-out-of-10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes polyps or abnormal growths form in the colon or rectum and, over time may turn into cancer. The recommended screening tests are used to identify polyps early so they can be removed.
The CDC site http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/prevention.htm explains more about colorectal cancer and ways in which to decrease the risk in developing. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer among men and in women.
In March, the KAHC staff will wear BLUE to raise awareness for colon cancer. The "Dress in Blue" campaign began with one person, Anita Mitchell, a volunteer at the Colon Cancer Alliance. She had turned 41 when she was diagnosed. After battling stage 1V colon cancer and losing both a close friend and father to the disease. she realized how important getting the message out to others would be.
On March 4, KAHC encourages community members to dress in blue and schedule an appointment with their provider to discuss the best method of screening based on risk factors and family history.
Don't forget these facts:
• Approximately 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer every year.
• Colon cancer often has no symptoms until it's at an advanced stage.
• Individuals can reduce their risk through regular screenings. Beginning at age 50 (or earlier if at high-risk), everyone should talk to a doctor about getting a screening test.
• There are more than one million colon cancer survivors in the United States.
Understandably, there is fear related to the procedure, preparation and discovery if one has a serious disease.
At KAHC, the staff believe sin educating beneficiaries to make informed decisions in regards to their health. Ask questions and review the literature that explains each of the different colorectal screening processes to be an informed consumer in health care.
Health screenings also may be done "outside" of Kenner. Beneficiaries may choose to have a network provider complete the exams. Please provide a copy of outside health screenings to Kenner to ensure a complete record of care is maintained.
To schedule preventive wellness screenings, call the Kenner Patient Appointment Line at 1-866-LEE-KAHC.
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