SMMC Visiting Nurses

 
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Main Office
72 Main Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
207-985-1000

Branch Office
235 Main Street
PO Box 685
Biddeford, ME 04005
207-283-7680

toll free 800-794-3546
Colonoscopies Save Lives! SMMC Promotes Screening during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
YORK COUNTY, MAINE – This March marks the 11th Annual “National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” and Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) will be hosting the Second Annual SMMC ‘Dress in Blue Day’ event on Friday, March 5th to promote awareness and encourage people to get screened. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, but when caught and diagnosed early it can be treated effectively and survival rates are favorable.

“We need to ensure that everyone over 50 has a discussion with their physician about getting screened. Dress in Blue Day is our way of getting people in our community to talk about this important issue and save lives in the process,” stated Peggy Belanger, RN, SMMC’s Cancer Care Program Manager. “Dress in Blue Day encourages individuals, businesses and community groups to wear blue and discuss the importance of colon cancer screenings.”

  • Please click here for the list of physicians who perform colonoscopies at SMMC
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    To assist in promoting awareness, SMMC and the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition will host a colorectal cancer awareness lunch and learn for worksites and community members on Wednesday, March 10th from 12 Noon to 1pm at Peoples Choice Credit Union in Saco. SMMC’s Cancer Care Program Manager Peggy Belanger, RN, will talk to participants about colorectal cancer, the importance of being screened, prevention, and state and national resources. Pre-registration is required, call Bethany at 602-3555 or e-mail bfortier@une.edu.

    According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, early stage colorectal cancer does not usually have symptoms; therefore, screening is necessary to detect it in its early stages. Advanced disease may cause rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and cramping in the lower abdomen. Also of note, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age; 90% of cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 50 and older. This is why early screening is so important; it can result in the detection and removal of colorectal polyps before they become cancerous, as well as the detection of cancer that is at an early stage and symptom free. Several modifiable factors are also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red or processed meats, and inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables.

    Southern Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Program has been awarded a three-year accreditation with commendation, the highest level awarded, by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACoSCoC). For more information contact, SMMC Cancer Care Program at 283-7320.

    COLORECTAL CANCER STATISTICS –
    • In 2008, Southern Maine Medical Center diagnosed 37 (19 women, 18 men) cases of colorectal cancer, primarily in stages 1 and 2.
    • The American Cancer Society estimates 146,970 new cases and 49,920 deaths occurred in 2009.
    • About 72% of cases arise in the colon and about 28% in the rectum.
    • Generally, five-year survival rates for colorectal cancer are lower the further advanced the disease is at detection. Over 90% of those diagnosed when the cancer is found at a local stage (confined to colon or rectum) survive more than five years. Once the cancer is diagnosed at a regional stage (spread to surrounding tissue) that rate drops to 66%. When the cancer has also spread to distant sites, only 8.5% of those diagnosed will reach the five-year survival milestone.

    Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) is a national award-winning medical center offering excellent clinical care that is also compassionate and attentive to each patient's individual needs. In conjunction with a medical staff of over 200 highly-skilled physicians, SMMC offers Maine's newest state-of-the-art emergency and fast track care as well as a full range of inpatient and outpatient services at its 150-bed acute care medical center located just off Exit 32 of I-95 in Biddeford. Additionally, SMMC's physician services offer high quality medical care at physician offices located in Biddeford, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Sanford; a full range of outpatient services at its diagnostic and therapy centers in Saco, Kennebunk, and Biddeford. SMMC also offers superior home nursing care through affiliate SMMC Visiting Nurses. SMMC is Joint Commission accredited, state-licensed, and a member of MaineHealth. To find a physician associated with SMMC, go to www.smmc.org/medstaff.
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