As we honor Colon Cancer Awareness Month, what do you feel is the most important message to share with our community (patients/colleagues/general community)?
The awareness of colon cancer in the general and medical communities has led to earlier detection and therefore prevention of colon cancer and improved survival for patients. Awareness has led to increased funding for colon cancer research. Research has led to improved treatment and care of patients with colon cancer. Patients are living longer or cancer-free with better quality of life, including better mental well-being.
How can we prioritize colon cancer prevention in our daily lives?
Now there is better understanding of not just hereditary risks factors, but also environmental ones for colon cancer. It is important for a person to be mindful of one’s family history and to be mindful of screening colonoscopy schedule starting at the age of 45 for most individuals. Staying active and avoiding being overweight reduces colon cancer risk. To reduce colon cancer risks, maintain a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, as well as eating less red meat and processed meats.
How do you collaborate with the colon cancer team at Smilow to care for patients?
I formally joined the Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital Gastrointestinal Cancers DART (Disease Aligned Research Team) last year. I participate in the weekly tumor board and research meetings, as well as seminars and journal clubs. It has been personally rewarding in terms of learning and being able to interact with academic leaders in colon cancer at Yale. Being a part of the GI DART group helps me to provide the highest level of care as an oncologist at the Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in Waterbury, CT. My patients are treated based on the latest research and thinking. They have access to promising clinical trials at Yale. They have access to genetic counseling and palliative care. The whole Network is at their disposal.
Is there anything new concerning colon cancer research that we should keep our eye on?
Colon cancer as a medical discipline exemplifies how advances in genetics and genomics are driving improvements in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer and treatment breakthroughs, leading to improved survival. The advances are possible because of better understanding of hereditary factors and molecular genetics.