Jeffrey Mosher, sitting in for Chris Holman, interviews Vesna Kaluza, MD, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with the Sparrow Cancer Center. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, they discuss this commonly diagnosed cancer. In many instances this cancer is quite preventable.
Dr. Kaluza indicates that there are several different screening techniques. However, only approximately 65% of the population are having the screening done. This is a cancer that is often symptom free in its early stages, when it is most treatable. She shares the different screening procedures and urges those 50 and older to be screened. For those with a family history of colorectal cancer, the recommended age to begin screening is 10 years younger than the youngest person in the family who was diagnosed with this type of cancer. Dr. Kaluza closes the interview, stating that an awareness of colorectal cancer needs to increase, especially in underserved areas.
