DEBARY, Fla. April 1, 2019 – In recognition of national colorectal cancer awareness month, nearly 85 community members joined AdventHealth Fish Memorial for a free healthy cuisine cooking expo and Q and A with a board-certified gastroenterologist at the DeBary Golf and Country Club.
The expo started with a Q and A session led by AdventHealth Fish Memorial gastroenterologist Dr. Mihir Patel.
“As a digestive disease specialist on the front line of diagnosing colorectal cancer, I want to make sure members of our community are aware of the importance of screening,” said Patel. “Colorectal cancer is one of the common cancer killers in the United States, yet it is largely a preventable type of cancer.”
Colorectal cancer, second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., affects men and women equally. However, few Americans know that colorectal cancer can be prevented—not just detected—through colonoscopy.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy allows physicians to look directly at the entire colon and to identify suspicious growths. Colonoscopy is the only test that allows a biopsy or removal of a polyp when identified.
“For most, it is recommended to start colonoscopy screenings at age 50,” said Patel. “Recommendations for how often a colonoscopy should be performed vary for high risk individuals.”
After the discussion ended, Chef Michael Colom from the DeBary Golf and Country Club presented a cooking demo for the audience and made fiber-rich Pasta ala Tuscany.
“This meal is excellent for digestion because it includes wholegrain, high-fiber pasta and a variety of vegetables,” said Colom.
According to the American Cancer Society, the colon cancer death rate in this country could be cut in half if Americans simply followed recommended screening guidelines. This year, more than 51,000 people are expected to die of colorectal cancer in the United States.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to discuss colorectal cancer screening with your physician,” said Patel. “Prevention is key and should not be put off.”
About AdventHealth Fish Memorial
AdventHealth Fish Memorial in Orange City has 175-beds and is one of the six hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that composes the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region. Formerly known as Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, the organization’s parent company changed the name of all wholly-owned entities to AdventHealth on Jan. 2, 2019. Based in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth is a connected system of care. With more than 80,000 team members, AdventHealth is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems with nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in nearly a dozen states. With the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth Fish Memorial provides whole person care to heal the body, mind and spirit. For more information about AdventHealth Fish Memorial, visit http://AdventHealthFishMemorial.com.
Photo Caption:
Chef Michael Colom from the DeBary Golf and Country Club prepared Pasta ala Tuscany which is high in fiber during AdventHealth Fish Memorial’s healthy cuisine cooking expo.