Friday, May 4, 2012

Singer Robin Gibb's Colon Cancer Diagnosis leads to more awareness of need for early screening




The story of The Bee Gees Robin Gibb, who has colorectal cancer and recently woke up after a 12 day coma is incredible as it is heartlifting; we look forward to hearing more about his story. In the meantime, here at Hope Through Grace, we continue our mission of offering eligible Harris County residents the chance to prevent colon cancer with a low cost or no cost colonoscopy.

Colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among adults in the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone aged 50 years and older were screened, as recommended. According to The State of Health Houston/Harris County 2012, more than 40% of residents remain unscreened for this highly preventable and curable disease. Hope Through Grace, Inc., (HTG) wants to change that by removing financial barriers that prevent people from getting the baseline colonoscopy.  Currently, this offer is afforded to at risk Harris County residents without health insurance.  To determine full eligibility, individuals need to contact us by phone (713.668.HOPE) for a brief consultation.

Colon cancer can be prevented through the screening method known as colonoscopy, which is considered the “gold standard” of colon screening. During a colonoscopy, when polyps are detected in the colon they can be removed, preventing cancer from developing.

Hope Through Grace has offered financial support for the baseline screening colonoscopy to dozens of people over the last decade; many of whom were found to have lesions.   Additionally, we conduct health education forums so that people will have a better understanding of how they might lower their risk while at the same time they will develop more healthy lifestyles.
Please call us at 713.668.HOPE (4673) to determine whether you are eligible. Remember, a colonoscopy could save your life!

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