Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in America according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and it will be the topic of discussion during an event to educate east Gainesville residents about the illness.
Sponsored by the UF Health Cancer Center Community Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC) and the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, the Power Over Colorectal Cancer Gathering for Men and Women will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (May 18) at Springhill Baptist Church at 120 SE Williston Road.
“I am excited about this gathering because most people I talk to don’t know what colorectal cancer is,” said Carolyn Tucker, Ph.D., executive director of the CDRC and one of the co-chairs of the event.
The other co-chairs are Pastor Adrian Taylor of Springhill and the CDRC pastor scientist, and Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D., associate director of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at UF Health Cancer Center.
According to UF Health Cancer Center, Blacks are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer than most other groups and about 40% more likely to die from it.
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“The reason for that is because African Americans are not getting screened,” Tucker said. “Our goal is to get to as many people as we can. Not only focusing on the treatment, but on prevention as well.”
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel.
Symptoms of the cancer include:
• persistent diarrhea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
• rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
• persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
• a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
The event will feature information for caregivers who take care of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Tucker said.
The keynote speakers will be Dr. Leighton Elliott, a UF chief hematology and oncology fellow who will speak on how to prevent colorectal cancer, and Dr. Thomas George, a hematology and oncology specialist and the deputy director of the UF Health Cancer Center, who will speak on the innovative treatments for colorectal cancer.
“I want people to know that it is not the end of the world and that there is hope,” George said. “They will have information for them to be confident and comfortable knowing that tests and screenings can be a powerful tool for their own health and the health of their families.”
The event will also help empower people how to take control of their health, George said.
“One of the benefits of this gathering is that people can come together and fellowship with community and family members and be there to support one another,” George said. “Another benefit is from an educational standpoint where people can ask questions that are on their minds that they haven’t had the opportunity to ask and be prepared for their upcoming appointment.”
Sharing experiences can help shape the future of medicine for generations to come, George said.
“We will have students there who are passionate about making a difference,” George said. “Attendees can network and share their experiences and perspectives with researchers. This can help make a difference in medicine for the future.”
The event will also feature breakout sessions, colorectal cancer screening kits to take home and a free lunch, Tucker said.
“When you register, check the box to say you want one,” Tucker said.
The link to register is go.ufl.edu/power or call 352-359-5184.
Tucker said if attendees test positive for colorectal cancer they can connect with doctors from the gathering and someone will follow up with them on the next steps.
“People can learn a lot,” Tucker said. “We are trying to save lives. Cancer is a quiet killer, and we need people to learn about it.”
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