Good Samaritan Hospital

The Role of Screening in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a significant focus of patient education for this month is on cancer screening. If you have never spoken to your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer or your need for screening exams, it may be time for you to rethink your outlook on this health issue. Below is a closer look at the details of colorectal cancer screening and its importance.

Detecting cancer before symptoms are present
Colorectal cancer is generally silent until it progresses to late, harder-to-treat stages. Screenings will allow your physician to see abnormal polyp growth in the colon that may be an early sign of cancer occurring long before other symptoms develop. At this stage, surgical excision or targeted radiation therapy can be used to lower the risk of colorectal cancer death dramatically.

Knowing when to start screening
It is rare for colorectal cancer to be diagnosed in patients under 50, so it is at this age that your doctor may recommend your first screening. There are, however, several steps you can take much earlier in life to prevent colorectal cancer, including eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding processed foods. If you follow these guidelines, you are more likely to have a normal screening when you do reach the appropriate age.

Using the right screening tests
Colonoscopy is the most extensive test used to screen for colon cancer, and it is only necessary about once every 10 years if the results from your first one are normal. There are a few less invasive screening tests that may be used more frequently, such as stool testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

To find out if you are at high-risk for colorectal cancer, schedule a screening at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. In addition to cancer screening and treatment services, we offer ongoing patient education through classes and seminars held at our hospital. Find a calendar of upcoming events on our website, or locate a doctor for your cancer care by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362.

The EDRC Presents Someday Melissa, The Story of an Eating Disorder, Loss and Hope, on April 8th

Melissa Arvin died of a heart attack at the age of 19 following a five-year battle with bulimia.  She left behind a journal of her hopes for “someday” when she was healthy.  A documentary film maker worked with Melissa’s mother and an eating disorder specialist to create “Someday Melissa,” a story of an eating disorder, loss and hope.

The Eating Disorders Resource Center, a Good Sam partner, will screen “Someday Melissa” at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8 in Rooms 225/229 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library at San Jose State University.  A panel of experts will discuss the documentary and issues surrounding the recognition and early treatment of eating disorders, as well as answer questions from the audience.

More than 24 million Americans struggle with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.  EDRC is a grassroots organization raising awareness through education of health care professionals and the general public, promoting recovery and advocating for effective health care coverage for associated disorders.  www.edrcsv.org

Knowing Your Risk for Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer, and this is in large part due to the high public awareness of the importance of screening. The screening process for colorectal cancer is unique in that it can actually prevent colon cancer by identifying pre-cancerous growths called polyps.

As this video from the American Cancer Society explains, polyps can be treated before they develop into cancer so that they are not a threat to your health. Ideally, patients should begin screening tests such as colonoscopy at the age of 50, unless risk factors are present that necessitate earlier testing.

If you want to schedule colorectal cancer screening during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, contact Good Samaritan Hospital today. You can find a doctor for your screening by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362. For more information about our cancer care services, follow this link to our website.

Tips for Getting Through Your Cancer Diagnosis

The initial shock of a cancer diagnosis can be tough to cope with, but as the reality of the diagnosis sets in, you may find strength and hope through some simple steps for finding support. At Good Samaritan Hospital, we strive to make cancer care more approachable for our patients while providing the most sophisticated treatment options available for a broad range of cancer cases. Here are some actions we recommend to help you get the most out of your care with us.

Find a doctor you feel comfortable with
With the extensive team of oncologists at Good Samaritan Hospital and the HCA Far West Health System, you can locate a skilled, caring physician suited to your unique needs. Cancer care is a highly personalized process, so you may need to meet a few different doctors before you find one with whom you are comfortable communicating throughout your care. Using our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line, it is easy to make appointments for initial doctor visits as you begin planning your treatment.

Attend a support group
Support groups are an excellent resource for newly diagnosed patients, because there is generally a mix of newly diagnosed, in treatment, and in remission individuals at each meeting. The collective experiences of these individuals can help you find answers to common questions about cancer and offer a comfortable space for you to share your feelings about your diagnosis.

Maintain healthy daily habits
If you look and feel good before and during your cancer treatment, there is a greater chance that you will progress through it successfully. You can make yourself feel better by maintaining a healthy diet, getting physical activity when you have the energy, and maintaining your normal personal care routine.

For a look at upcoming cancer support group meetings at Good Samaritan Hospital, visit us on our website today. You can get some answers to basic health questions and start scheduling appointments at our facilities by calling our 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362.

Join Good Sam and the March of Dimes at "BBQ for Babies" on March 19!

Everybody wants to help premature babies—and lots of you love BBQ.  Join Team Good Sam at BBQ for Babies, 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19 at Armadillo Willy’s, 2071 Camden Ave., San Jose.  Armadillo Willy’s will donate 20% of all BBQ for Babies proceeds to the March of Dimes March for Babies.  Just tell the friendly folks at Armadillo Willy’s you’re part of Good Sam’s March for Babies.  Remember that Armadillo Willy’s new menu has a whole section of smaller servings to promote healthier eating, plus salmon and veggie burgers.  (Eat in or take out.  Food and beverage only.)  Good Sam is proud to partner with the March of Dimes to promote research preventing birth defects and advancing the care of premature babies.  Our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers the highest level of care for premature babies and newborns with medical issues.  Join us and the March of Dimes at BBQ for Babies!