Colorectal Cancer Chapter Added to Female Cancers Resources

The New York State Chapter of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District II (ACOG) has partnered with the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center to develop the fifth and final chapter to the Focus on Female Cancers resource guide.

This new chapter focuses on colorectal cancer, how to recognize risk factors and recommend the appropriate screening. An electronic version of the chapter can be found here.

Colorectal cancer (often referred to as colon cancer) is a slow-growing cancer that affects the cells in the colon and rectum and can spread to other parts of the body. It is the second-leading cause of death among men and women combined in the United States, and the third-leading cause of cancer death among women alone.

"Women's health care providers, especially ob-gyns, may be the only doctors some women see regularly, so they play a vital role in discussing colorectal cancer with patients," said Maureen Killackey, MD, FACOG, FACS, Co-Chair of the ACOG District II Colorectal Cancer Task Force. "This chapter includes information on risk assessment, evidence-based screening and surveillance guidelines, as well as office management strategies for increasing appropriate colorectal cancer screening."

"We are thrilled that ACOG is providing this valuable educational resource to underscore colorectal cancer screening as a major women's health imperative, along with breast and cervical cancer screening," said Mark Pochapin, MD, Director of The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Co-Chair of the ACOG District II Colorectal Cancer Task Force. "It is important for women to know that colorectal cancer affects both men and women, and that screening is done when they feel well, before symptoms develop."

In its early stages, colorectal cancer often causes no signs or symptoms. With screening and early detection, colorectal cancer is often preventable and highly curable. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for all women (and men) age 50 and older. Individuals with certain risk factors-such as personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer; personal history of inflammatory bowel disease; or diagnosed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome-should talk to their doctor about starting screening at a younger age.

The Focus on Female Cancers resource guide, packaged in a three ring binder form, has been distributed free of charge to ACOG doctors, New York State Cancer Services Program providers, and women's health care practitioners across New York State. Published chapters also include:

• Cervical Cancer
• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
• Cancer Survivorship
• Ovarian Cancer

"We are very proud of this nationally recognized provider education guide," said Donna Montalto, MPP, Executive Director of ACOG District II. "It has played a major role in giving physicians, nurses, and patients important scientific information about many types of female cancers."

Source: New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medical College