Chesapeake Regional Medical Center Hosts Free Women's Seminar Addressing Colorectal Cancer

CHESAPEAKE – Beth Jaklic, M.D., a colorectal surgeon, will discuss colorectal cancer risk and prevention at the next Red Hot Mamas® seminar on Thursday, March 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lifestyle Center.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, and more than 56,000 people in the U.S. expected to die from it each year. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), research shows that over one million Americans are currently living with colorectal cancer and almost five percent of Americans will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. If this disease is discovered at an early stage, when it is usually asymptomatic, it has an 80 percent or better cure rate; however, colorectal cancer may not cause a person to display any symptoms in its early stages.

“Screening colonoscopies are still the best way to detect colorectal cancer. We start those in average risk men and women at age 50, which happens to fall in line with the time a woman may begin to experience menopausal symptoms,” said Jaklic, who practices with Chesapeake Surgical Specialists. “If polyps are detected during a screening, we can remove them before they have a chance to become cancerous.  If we discover early stage cancers, we have an excellent chance of performing curative surgery.  But if we find colorectal cancer in a later stage, the rate of cure decreases dramatically. Screening colonoscopies are incredibly important.”

Jaklic will also review colorectal cancer prevention methods and tips for overall colorectal health such as healthful eating habits, maintaining an active lifestyle and avoiding cigarettes.

 Earning her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Jaklic completed a general surgery internship and residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. and a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She previously served as the ship’s surgeon on the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and as an attending surgeon and director of the general surgery tumor board at the National Naval Medical Center, later becoming the general surgery residency program director at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

Chesapeake Regional has partnered with the Red Hot Mamas® to offer monthly menopause education programs aimed at providing medical information and peer support to women, men and family members dealing with the physical and psychological impacts of menopause.

The free seminars, which cover topics throughout the year that deal with the full body, are held monthly at the Lifestyle Center, located at 800 Battlefield Boulevard, North, in Chesapeake.

All women and their partners are invited to attend the seminars. To RSVP, call 757-312-5144.

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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 Treatment 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, one of the busiest emergency departments 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.