Chesapeake Regional Medical Center First Hospital to Sign National Pledge for More Colon Screenings

CHESAPEAKE – Chesapeake Regional Medical Center recently signed the 80% by 2018 pledge initiated by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates. More than 200 local and national organizations have committed to this effort, but Chesapeake Regional is the first hospital in Hampton Roads to sign the pledge and publicly work toward the goal of 80% of Americans over age 50 screened by 2018.

“As a health care provider, we recognize that colorectal cancer is a major public health problem, and we are committed to assisting our partners in eliminating it and thrilled to be the first hospital to publicly make that commitment,” said Peter F. Bastone, president and CEO of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. “We will work to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and to make colorectal cancer screenings more obtainable to those in the community.”

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths; however, it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented.  Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.

 “This initiative can help us raise awareness of proper screening age and risk factors for colorectal cancer,” said Bruce Waldholtz, M.D., a Chesapeake Regional-affiliated gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of Southeastern Virginia and current Chairman of the Board of the ACS South Atlantic Division. “If patients are diagnosed and treated in the early stages of colorectal cancer, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent, but patients who are diagnosed in later stages have a much lower survival rate. Screenings save lives.”

The 80% by 2018 campaign is a NCCRT initiative in which nearly two hundred organizations have committed to eliminating colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. All are working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. Leading public health organizations, such as ACS, CDC and the NCCRT are rallying organizations to embrace this shared goal.

For more information, or to learn about resources in your area, visit http://www.chesapeakeregional.com/colon or call the Chesapeake Regional Digestive Health program at 757-312-3120.

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO
The American Cancer Society recognized Chesapeake Regional Medical Center as the first hospital in Hampton Roads to sign the 80% by 2018 pledge with an engraved plaque.

From left: Jan Bennet health system manager of the American Cancer Society, Peter F. Bastone, president and CEO of CRMC, and Dr. Bruce Waldholtz, gastroenterologist and Chairman of the Board of the American Cancer Society’s South Atlantic Division.

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Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center is an independent, community-focused organization providing technologically advanced health care to the residents of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. Its Sidney M. Oman Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care with the most advanced technology available, a radiosurgery services partnership with University of Virginia and Riverside Health System, and a fully dedicated Breast Center. It is home to a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, the busiest Emergency Department in Hampton Roads, and The BirthPlace, which delivers more babies than any other community hospital in the area. Chesapeake Regional’s cardiovascular program has been nationally ranked, and its weight loss and sleep centers are nationally accredited. With more than 600 physicians, Chesapeake Regional remains one of the busiest hospitals in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Website: www.chesapeakeregional.com.