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PHARMACY NEWS "
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Campaign to Increase Colorectal Screening
• General stomach discomfort-bloating, fullness, or cramps. • Frequent gas pains. • A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely. • Weight loss without any known reason. • Constant fatigue. If detected early, the fiveyear survival rate for patients with cancer localized to the colon is 91 %; for those with cancer of the rectum, it is 83%. When colorectal cancer is diagnosed in its later stages, it carries a mortality rate of 60%. According to Stanley B. Benjamin, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Georgetown University Medical School, "Studies suggest that the overall incidence of colorectal cancer can be reduced by up to 85% when people are screened regularly." The ACS and several other organizations have endorsed the following screening guidelines: • People without symp-
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Glaxo Institute for Digestive Health have launched a nationwide health education campaign to increase the number of Americans who undergo screening for colorectal cancer. At the core of the effort is a television public service announcement being aired by hundreds of stations nationwide. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of can-
die of the disease. Risk factors include being over age 50, a history of colon polyps or chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of cancer, and a highfat, low-fiber diet. The symptoms of colorectal cancer, which may also signal another gastrointestinal disorder, include: • Diarrhea, constipation, or both. • Blood in the stools (bright red or dark). • Stools that are narrower than usual. Vol. NS33, No.1
January 1993
II
toms should have a digital rectal exam every year after age 40 and a fecal occult blood test every year after age 50. Proctosigmoidoscopy should be conducted every three to five years after the age of 50, according to the physician's advice. • People at high risk because of their personal or family medical history should undergo screening earlier. The screening should be more frequent and more thorough and should possibly include periodic colonoscopy. More information on colorectal cancer is available by calling (800) ACS-2345.
Some Parents Still Do Not ·Sunproof' Kids Despite widespread reports in recent years about the link between childhood exposure to sunlight and adult skin cancer, many parents still do not apply sunscreen to their children, according to a study by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex. (Arch Dermatol. 1992; 128:628-9). Of 82 parents with children age 12 or younger who were surveyed at a beach on a sunny day, 42 were and 40 were not using sunscreen on their children. Users and nonusers AMERICAN PHARMACY
Rl'~HE r . "
I E IS,aJ
~
"
0,UIN S FJ UI IS Cj i),
Campaign to Increase Colorectal Screening
• General stomach discomfort-bloating, fullness, or cramps. • Frequent gas pains. • A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely. • Weight loss without any known reason. • Constant fatigue. If detected early, the fiveyear survival rate for patients with cancer localized to the colon is 91 %; for those with cancer of the rectum, it is 83%. When colorectal cancer is diagnosed in its later stages, it carries a mortality rate of 60%. According to Stanley B. Benjamin, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Georgetown University Medical School, "Studies suggest that the overall incidence of colorectal cancer can be reduced by up to 85% when people are screened regularly." The ACS and several other organizations have endorsed the following screening guidelines: • People without symp-
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Glaxo Institute for Digestive Health have launched a nationwide health education campaign to increase the number of Americans who undergo screening for colorectal cancer. At the core of the effort is a television public service announcement being aired by hundreds of stations nationwide. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of can-
die of the disease. Risk factors include being over age 50, a history of colon polyps or chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of cancer, and a highfat, low-fiber diet. The symptoms of colorectal cancer, which may also signal another gastrointestinal disorder, include: • Diarrhea, constipation, or both. • Blood in the stools (bright red or dark). • Stools that are narrower than usual. Vol. NS33, No.1
January 1993
II
toms should have a digital rectal exam every year after age 40 and a fecal occult blood test every year after age 50. Proctosigmoidoscopy should be conducted every three to five years after the age of 50, according to the physician's advice. • People at high risk because of their personal or family medical history should undergo screening earlier. The screening should be more frequent and more thorough and should possibly include periodic colonoscopy. More information on colorectal cancer is available by calling (800) ACS-2345.
Some Parents Still Do Not ·Sunproof' Kids Despite widespread reports in recent years about the link between childhood exposure to sunlight and adult skin cancer, many parents still do not apply sunscreen to their children, according to a study by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex. (Arch Dermatol. 1992; 128:628-9). Of 82 parents with children age 12 or younger who were surveyed at a beach on a sunny day, 42 were and 40 were not using sunscreen on their children. Users and nonusers AMERICAN PHARMACY