WPMC to educate the public on cancer

 Western Plains Medical Complex is undertaking a campaign to educate the public about the prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
    “Our physicians tell us that we can save more lives, and we’re going to focus on doing just that – by educating the public about colorectal cancer and the screening tests that are available,” said John Walker, CEO.  “We’re starting an ambitious educational campaign this fall with a goal of making sure everyone knows when they should be screened.  Most people do not realize that you can actually prevent colon cancer, in many cases, by simply having a colonoscopy.”
    Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer for both men and women combined in the United States, even though it is 90 percent preventable and 90 percent treatable when detected early.  There are three physicians who perform colonoscopies at Western Plains Medical Complex, including:  Mirza Ahmad, MD; Win Kyi, MD; and A.H. Qureshi, MD (expected to begin seeing patients November 2008).
    Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum.  It is equally common in both men and women – 153,760 cases were estimated to be diagnosed in 2007, with 52,180 people projected to die of the illness. It is one of the most easily prevented cancers because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.  If cancer is detected, screening tests can help discover cancer in its earliest, most curable stages.  In March of 2008 the American Cancer Society published updated guidelines that encourage screening at age 50 for both men and women. Screening should be done at earlier ages if certain risk factors are present.  
    During a colonoscopy, a physician uses a slender, flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope to look at the inside walls of the full length of the colon. If abnormalities are found, they can be removed or biopsied during the same procedure. More than 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50.  Many insurance plans, including Medicare, help pay for colorectal cancer screening.