PALM COAST, Fla., March 29, 2019 – In honor of national colon cancer awareness month, more than 70 community members joined AdventHealth Palm Coast for a free community luncheon on March 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Led by AdventHealth Palm Coast gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph McKinley, guests learned about colorectal cancer, causes, those at risk and preventative measures.
“Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in the U.S. and is the second leading cause of cancer related death,” said McKinley. “It is estimated that more than half of all colon cancers could be prevented with regular screening via colonoscopy.”
During the luncheon, McKinley explained colorectal cancer arises from precancerous growths or polyps that grow in the colon. When detected early, polyps can be removed before they ever become cancerous, preventing the disease entirely.
“While early detection of any cancer is important, prevention is powerful,” said McKinley. “Many people don’t realize that this second‐leading cancer killer is highly preventable.”
Colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology considers colonoscopy the “gold standard” for colorectal screening because 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 at the very same time it is first identified.
“A colonoscopy is the preferred colorectal cancer prevention test,” McKinley further explained. “For most individuals, colonoscopy is a regular recommended screening starting at age 50, and age 45 for African Americans. However, recommendations for how often a colonoscopy should be performed vary for high-risk individuals.”
Gastroenterologists like McKinley receive special training in colonoscopies. Their training incorporates comprehensive knowledge of the entire GI tract to provide the highest quality endoscopy services.
“Although a colonoscopy is the preferred method, there are multiple screening tests,” said McKinley. “Speak with your physician about what is right for you and go get screened.”
About AdventHealth Palm Coast
AdventHealth Palm Coast has 99-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 Flagler, 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 Palm Coast provides whole person care to heal the body, mind and spirit. For more information about AdventHealth Palm Coast, visit http://AdventHealthPalmCoast.com.
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In honor of national colon cancer awareness month, AdventHealth Palm Coast gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph McKinley spoke about colorectal cancer on March 25 to more than 70 community members at the Hilton Garden Inn.