Early Detection is Key to Successful Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Naples, FL --- March 1, 2010 --- Each year, colon cancer kills more Americans than any other form of cancer except lung cancer, and yet, with screening and early detection, it can often be successfully prevented.
In order to raise awareness, during the month of March and throughout the year, Physicians Regional Healthcare System (PRHS) emphasizes the importance of colon cancer screening by the age of 50. Approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer each year and an estimated 50,000 are predicted to die from this disease.
Developing in the lower digestive and gastrointestinal system, it is very common in both men and women of all ethnic and racial groups and usually develops from precancerous changes or growths, called polyps, in the lining of the colon and rectum.
“The best form of detection for such polyps is conducted through what is commonly known as a colonoscopy,” said Anthony M. Vernava III, M.D., board certified colorectal surgeon at PRHS. “If a cancerous polyp is detected, and the timing of this detection is early, the polyp can be easily removed with no incision, allowing the patient to return to normal activity in no time.”
According to the American Cancer Society, patients should discuss the risk of colon cancer, as well as early and frequent screening, if they possess any of the following colon cancer risks: a personal history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps, or a known family history of hereditary colon cancer syndromes.
“Early detection is definitely key to the prevention of colon cancer,” said Susan M. Cera, M.D., board certified colorectal surgeon at PRHS. “Colon cancers take many years to develop, but the earlier the cancer is identified, the easier it is to treat with all of the new advancements that have been made toward the treatment of colon cancer.”
For more information on colon cancer screening or treatment, as well as a referral to a colorectal surgeon, call 239-348-4000.
About Physicians Regional Healthcare System
Physicians Regional Healthcare System is comprised of two premier hospitals in Collier County with 201 licensed beds, an affiliated multi-specialty physician group, and a medical staff of over 300 physicians who are highly trained and exceptionally skilled within their fields. The fully integrated hospital campuses include 24-hour emergency rooms, state-of-the-art surgery centers, full service diagnostic departments and medical office buildings housing physician offices. The system has received five-star ratings in multiple specialty services and the HealthGrades® Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ for several consecutive years.
About Anthony M. Vernava III, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R.S.
Anthony Vernava, M.D. has been in the practice of colon and rectal surgery for 20 years with 10 of those years as a staff physician and chairman of Research and Education at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Naples. Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Dr. Vernava has received multiple distinguished awards for his work, including recognition as one of “Consumer’s Research Council of America: Guide to America’s Top Surgeons” in 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007, as well as one of Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors in America” since 1994 and “Top Doctors for Cancer” since 2006.
About Susan M. Cera, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R.S.
Susan Cera, M.D. practices in all areas of digestive diseases, from initial screening to surgery. She is the only female colorectal surgeon in Collier County, and the first colorectal surgeon in Florida to perform robot-assisted colorectal procedures. She trained at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. In addition, she has received multiple distinguished awards for her work, including: “Consumer’s Research Council of America: Guide to America’s Top Surgeons” in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and Southwest Florida’s “Top 40 Under 40” Business Professionals by Gulfshore Business magazine in 2007.
Drs. Vernava and Cera are part of Physicians Regional Medical Group, the multi-specialty group practice affiliated with Physicians Regional Healthcare System. For more information, call 239-348-4000 or visit www.PhysiciansRegional.com.