Health First Miguel Centeno is hosting a community workshop on colorectal cancer, screening, prevention and nutrition at St. Barnabas Hospital Health and Wellness Center.
Photo by Kik Grant Floyd
Healthfirst, one of New York’s leading low-cost health insurers, hosted a community workshop on colorectal cancer screening, prevention and nutrition at St. Barnabas Hospital’s Health and Wellness Center.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and nearly 3,000 New Yorkers die from the disease, according to the New York State Department of Health. Colorectal cancer is “one of the most common cancers in New York State and the second leading cause of cancer death among the entire population,” according to the NYS Department of Health.
Abby Gilman, a registered dietitian and director of the SBH Center for Culinary Medicine and Teaching Kitchens, led a gut health cooking demonstration for the afternoon.
The purpose of the demonstration was to educate residents at the RAIN Parkchester Neighborhood Senior Center on how to reduce sugar consumption, which is directly linked to colorectal cancer.
She taught residents how to make easy recipes at home using everyday ingredients, and even suggested healthy options.
Gilman made zucchini muffins, salmon with roasted onions and potatoes, chicken hummus, collard greens and a fiber-rich smoothie.
Dr. Steven Brewer, a surgical oncologist at SBH Health System, presented a slide about Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers, he said.
“Lung cancer and colon cancer are just as challenging in women as they are in men. So we need to develop prevention strategies for colorectal cancer in women that are just as important for men,” Brewer said.
Dr. Michael Polcino, director of colon and rectal surgery, concluded the presentation by teaching about the importance of screening before you turn 45 because the disease increasingly affects younger adults.
Colon cancer screening (colonoscopy) can find cancerous polyps, which are small growths that line the lining of the colon. If the polyps are small, they can remove them, Polisino said.
“If I see this small growth and how to remove it, we take a small hand and put it around and that’s how we remove these polyps. [the treatment] Prevents polyps from becoming cancerous.
Another common screening option is at-home stool tests such as Cologard. If your results are abnormal, you may need to follow up with a colonoscopy to determine if you have colon cancer.
“That’s why there’s so much awareness about this disease because it’s changing,” Polisino said. “It’s a disease of younger patients — 30s, 40s, 50s — and that’s why screening now is so important.”
“This disease is curable…we learned today [that] Nutrition helps reduce your risk of cancer. If our diet is good – high in fiber – it will help our bowel movements. We want our patients in the community to see doctors before coming to me and Dr. Brother.
Miguel Centeno, Health First’s vice president of community engagement, said they wanted to highlight colorectal cancer in the Bronx during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month because “the Latino community is disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer.”
“We want to take advantage of this platform for education. We’re all about empowering the community and that’s why we took this opportunity today, to work with our amazing partners at SBH to really raise awareness about the importance of screening as well as the impact that nutrition plays on cancer risk,” said Centeno.
Alice Torres, 75, attended the event to learn more about colon cancer, colonoscopy surgery and nutrition.
“I learned after the surgery that if it’s cancer, you should see a doctor after a year,” Torres said.
Malagra Curtis, a face painter, 70, visited St. Barnabas Hospital for the first time and was excited about their services because she prioritizes her health.
Curtis said she had a previous operation for diverticulitis, a colon infection, so learning more about colonoscopy, nutrition and prevention was important to her.
“We used to get fat and eat a lot of rice and less vegetables in Puerto Rico. I gained a lot of weight before I got to New York,” Curtis said. “Since I came to New York, I had colonoscopy exams but I had to repeat them every three years, and I still do.”
Curtis said she lost weight and now she usually eats better to take care of herself. She plans to apply the information from the workshop to her daily life.
“I practice everything. I try to use the information. I think there’s more prevention these days than ever before. It’s very important. It has to do with our bodies.”
At the end of the event, Albert Jewell, General Manager of SBH Health Plex Fitness Center, hosted a raffle for 45 items. Among the items were honey and tickets to free community cooking classes and fitness classes.
Reach Keke Grant-Floyd at kekegfreports@gmail.com. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
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