Bergen County seal BERGEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
327 E. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, PARAMUS, NJ 07652
Hansel F. Asmar, Director/Health Officer
(201) 634-2600
www.bergenhealth.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 8th, 2007
Contact: Jon K. Thomsen, Director
Public Information Office
jthomsen@co.bergen.nj.us
201-336-6337
BERGEN COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS TO GET COLORECTAL SCREENINGS


( PARAMUS ) –The Bergen County Department of Health Services urges residents to get regular colorectal screenings. March is recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and is designed to empower residents through education, as well as encourage them to take actions to prevent the disease.

“Awareness is the first step toward prevention,” said Hansel F. Asmar, Bergen County Department of Health Services Director. “Men and women are at risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, screenings can detect polyps that can be removed and prevent colorectal cancer from occurring.”

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that everyone 50 years and older get screened regularly. ACS recommends four testing options to discuss with your doctor. These include a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a barium enema, and a colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer frequently starts with a polyp, which is a small growth inside the colon or rectum that may turn into cancer. There are often no symptoms of early colon cancer; therefore, it is important to get regular screenings. Symptoms that may appear later include rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, weight loss, a change in bowel habits, and fatigue. If an individual has any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor immediately.

For more information about colorectal cancer contact the Health Promotion Request Line at 201-634-2704 and request a copy of Colon Testing Can Save Your Life. Be sure to leave your name and mailing address.BERGEN COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS TO GET COLORECTAL SCREENINGS
(PARAMUS) -The Bergen County Department of Health Services urges residents to get regular colorectal screenings. March is recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and is designed to empower residents through education, as well as encourage them to take actions to prevent the disease.
"Awareness is the first step toward prevention," said Hansel F. Asmar, Bergen County Department of Health Services Director. "Men and women are at risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, screenings can detect polyps that can be removed and prevent colorectal cancer from occurring."
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that everyone 50 years and older get screened regularly. ACS recommends four testing options to discuss with your doctor. These include a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a barium enema, and a colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer frequently starts with a polyp, which is a small growth inside the colon or rectum that may turn into cancer. There are often no symptoms of early colon cancer; therefore, it is important to get regular screenings. Symptoms that may appear later include rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, weight loss, a change in bowel habits, and fatigue. If an individual has any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor immediately.
For more information about colorectal cancer contact the Health Promotion Request Line at 201-634-2704 and request a copy of Colon Testing Can Save Your Life. Be sure to leave your name and mailing address.