Chloe King, the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Community Medical Center, and Jamie Knight from the Kentucky Cancer Program are actively working to raise awareness about colon cancer and the importance of screenings.
Knight explained the Kentucky Cancer Program is the state-mandated cancer control program in the Commonwealth.
click to download audioKnight and King noted that colon cancer is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, which is why screenings typically begin at that age. However, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger demographics.
click to download audioThey said there are a couple of non-invasive home tests for colon cancer: a fecal immunochemical test or FIT test, and Cologuard® advertised on TV. According to King and Knight, the clinic has some home test kits available and they can guide patients through the process, addressing questions or concerns they may have.
Furthermore, King stated that Community Medical Center is participating in a special grant program that focuses on colon cancer screening and patient care.
click to download audioThey also noted that colon cancer ranks as the second leading cause of total cancer-related deaths among men and women combined in the United States. Knight shared that, according to statistics from the American Cancer Society, 80% of individuals aged 50 and under are not being screened for colon cancer.
Knight and King said they have some resources available to the public.
click to download audioFor more information about colon screening, contact Community Medical Center at 270-365-0227.
King also announced the services Community Medical Center will be providing in its new building in Princeton, situated between The Biscuit Barn & Ice Cream Eatery and O’Reilly’s on West Main Street.
click to download audioShe said they hope to be ready to open sometime in July.
