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Colorectal Cancer is the second most common form of cancer in
the United States. It affects approximately 130,000 Americans and
causes more than 45,000 deaths annually. The cause of colon is
not entirely understood, but it appears that both hereditary and
environmental factors play a role in its development. It is clear
that colorectal cancer can often be prevented through regular examinations
to detect polyps, benign (non-cancerous) growths of the intestine
lining that may develop into cancer. If polyps are found, they
can be removed without surgery so they will never develop into
cancer. And if colorectal cancer is diagnosed in its early stages,
the latest medical and surgical treatments offer a good chance
for a cure. The Department of Gastroenterology Surgery at Monmouth
Medical Center is at the forefront of colon cancer prevention through
patient screening, education, detection and treatment. In conjunction
with the High Risk Cancer Assessment Program at the Leon Hess Cancer
Center, the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program offers
a multi-specialty team approach to the assessment of family risk,
genetic counseling and testing and treatment of polyps and cancer.
The purpose of the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program
is to prevent death from colorectal cancer by providing the best
care to patients and families, by promoting knowledge of the risks
and implications of a family history of colorectal cancer, and
by conducting important research in areas of concerns. The main
role of a registry is to prevent colorectal cancer and:
- to promote the knowledge of the risks and implication of a
family history of colorectal cancer
- provide the best care to patients and families
The registry will: provide patients with education about the disease,
tests, surgical options and lifelong surveillance protocols; encourage
participation in study protocols; discuss the appropriateness of
genetic testing; and provide support to ease fear of tests and
surgeries. One of the most important functions of the registry
is to ensure that patients receive the best care and continue to
have surveillance exams.
Joining a registry can be as simple as picking up the telephone,
writing a letter, sending an e-mail or making an appointment with
the registry. After talking to a member of the registry staff (usually
the coordinator) about your family medical history, it can be determined
if participation in the registry is appropriate for you and your
family. Being in a registry does not affect your care with
your own physician. It is important to note that patients in a
registry are still under the care of their referring doctors. Registries
do not assume the care of its participants. The main role of the
registry is to educate.
The High Risk Cancer Assessment Clinic offers the opportunity
for high-risk patients to do "one-stop" shopping when
they require multiple services. Patients benefit from taking care
of all their needs in a single afternoon and in one convenient
location. Anyone with an inherited colorectal
cancer syndrome, including Hereditary Non-Polyposis
Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP),
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) or Juvenile Polyposis (JP) is considered
to be high risk and can access the services of the High Risk
Cancer Assessment Clinic.
At the High Risk Clinic, the registry
coordinator will take patients' medical histories and prepare
family pedigrees. Patients undergo necessary tests, such as colonoscopies or
esophagogastroduodenoscopies, and meet with genetic counselors
and geneticists who can provide a comprehensive program of genetic
counseling and testing.
If you, a family member or friend are interested in joining our registry
program or want to schedule an appointment, please contact Jenny
Lin, MBA, Manager of Oncology Data Center, at 732 923-6510,
or email jlin@barnabashealth.org or Sherry
Grumet, MS, CGC, Certified Cancer Genetic Counselor, at 732 923-6576,
or email sgrumet@barnabashealth.org
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