FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARCH 30, 2017 • HEALTH THE QUEENS COURIER 31 health Colonoscopy is the test that can save your life BY JOSHUA S. ARON, MD Th e word “cancer” is scary, unsettling and leaves people feeling helpless. Add “colon” before “cancer,” and the stakes intensify. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Here in New York City the disease kills approximately 1,400 people every year, even though 90 percent of colorectal cancers are curable when caught early. As a gastroenterologist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, I can tell you that colon cancer is one of the few cancers for which an eff ective screening – a colonoscopy – is available. But not enough people are getting screened. Many people are unaware of their risks for colon cancer; some have specifi c concerns or fears about colonoscopy or screening tests, and others are afraid of the results of such tests. Education and an open discussion with your doctor is the best form of protection from colon cancer. A common procedure, colonoscopy can identify precancerous growths, called polyps, in your colon and remove them before they turn into cancer. Colonoscopies are recommended for adults at least every 10 years, and those with a family history of the disease should ask their doctor about getting screened earlier and more oft en. While colonoscopies are the gold standard to identify and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous, there are other colon cancer screening tests available. Ask your doctor which is best for you. Keep in mind symptoms of colon cancer don’t always present themselves. Th e majority of polyps, and sometimes even cancers, do not cause any symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, they may include constant abdominal pain, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits and fatigue from anemia. Th ere are simple health tips everyone can follow to minimize their risk of colon cancer: • Get screened for colon cancer • Maintain a healthy weight • Know your family history • Eat a balanced diet high in fi ber and leafy green vegetables • Limit alcohol consumption and don’t smoke • Talk to your health care provider about colon cancer NYC Health + Hospitals off ers colonoscopies at many locations across New York City to all New Yorkers regardless of health insurance or ability to pay. New Yorkers who want more information about preventing colon cancer should call 311 or visit nychealthandhospitals.org. Joshua S. Aron, MD, is Chief of Gastroenterology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. Legislators lunch with Elmhurst Hospital board Photo courtesy of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst On March 10, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst’s Community Advisory Board held its Annual Legislative Lunch. Several local legislators and representatives of city, state, and federal offi ce holders attended and received updates from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst CEO Israel Rocha regarding key accomplishments and events from the past year, as well as developments regarding future hospital projects. Pictured from left to right are Assemblymen David Weprin and Jeff rion Aubry; State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky; Dr. Joseph Farraye, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Director of Neurology; Dr. Jasmin Moshirpur, Regional Medical Director, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens; Dr. Zachary Hickman, Director of Neurosurgery; Israel Rocha, CEO; State Senator Jose Peralta; and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
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