UCI Health experts to discuss latest advances in colorectal cancer prevention
Public to learn about risk, family history and importance of screenings
March 12, 2015
UCI Health invites the public to learn about the latest advances in colorectal cancer detection, treatment and prevention at 7 p.m., March 23 at the Newport Beach Public Library.
Gastroenterologist Dr. William Karnes, director of the UCI Health high-risk colon cancer program, and genetic counselor Deepika Nathan will discuss A Colon-Cancer Free Orange County. We Can Do This! Their presentation will address the following topics:
- Who gets colorectal cancer and why?
- What is my risk for colorectal cancer?
- How can I reduce my risk for colorectal cancer?
- How do I choose the best screening test?
- How often do I need screening?
- What should I look for in a specialist/center?
“Although there is no single cause of colorectal cancer, certain factors can increase your risk,” Karnes said. “Some risk factors can be modified, while others are beyond your control. The good news is that no matter how high you are on the risk scale, colorectal cancer is highly curable and can even be prevented, if you know your risk factors and get regular screenings.”
Colorectal cancers are the leading non-smoking cause of cancer death in the U.S., with one in 20 people developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Up to 90 percent of colorectal cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and removal of precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy, which can identify and remove polyps in a single procedure, is the gold standard for detection and prevention, Karnes said.
Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
The Newport Beach Public Library is located at 1000 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
Karnes also recently conducted a webinar about colon cancer and detection >> Colorectal cancer: How you can prevent it
UCI Health comprises the clinical, medical education and research enterprises of the University of California, Irvine. Patients can access UCI Health at physician offices throughout Orange County and at its main campus, UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, Calif., a 411-bed acute care hospital that provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, behavioral health and rehabilitation. U.S. News & World Report has listed it among America’s Best Hospitals for 14 consecutive years. UC Irvine Medical Center features Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program, Level I trauma center and Level II pediatric trauma center, and is the primary teaching hospital for UC Irvine School of Medicine. UCI Health serves a region of more than 3 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
