Hospital to host community lecture on colon cancer

    The first Arthur Hess Memorial Community Lecture on colon cancer will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. in Houlton Regional Hospital’s Center for Community Health Education. Dr. Ted Sussman will discuss the importance of colonoscopies for the early detection of colon cancer.  The public is invited to join us for this informative lecture with Dr. Sussman.
    Arthur Hess was a volunteer at Houlton Regional Hospital for over 20 years volunteering his time with many woodworking projects. Bart Peters, maintenance supervisor of Houlton Regional Hospital, describes Hess as “A man of great values; family, faith and dedication. He was a master craftsman, not only with wood, but with life itself.”
    Upon Hess’ passing on May 8, 2009, his family requested donations be made to Houlton Regional Hospital, Arthur B. Hess Educational Fund, 20 Hartford Street, Houlton, Maine  04730, in lieu of flowers. It was Arthur’s request that education be provided to the community on the importance of having colonoscopies for early detection of colon cancer.
    Colon cancer is the second cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women. However, in the last 20 years that rate has been dropping due in part because of better treatment options, but more importantly, screenings are being done early to detect and treat any problems. Colon cancer usually has no symptoms until the advanced stages of the disease. The absence of symptoms is not a reason to delay or ignore colon cancer testing.  Colon cancer is easier to cure if detected early.
    There are several risk factors for developing colon cancer as well as strategies to reduce these risk factors. Some things to do to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer are to eat a healthy diet, be physically active, avoid tobacco products, and most importantly be screened for early detection and treatment. Regular screening beginning at the age of 50 (or earlier, if at risk for developing colon cancer) is the key to preventing this type of cancer.
    For further information on this free community lecture, please call HRH’s CCHE at 521-2645.