News Items

ASCRS calls for increase in screening during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 
 
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. – As part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) has entered into a special partnership with San Diego-based Champions for Health to provide free colonoscopies and follow-up for 30 patients in underserved areas of San Diego.
 
The partnership was made possible through ASCRS’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and Corporate Council.
 
"The ASCRS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has made it a priority to affect real change in the disparity in access to colorectal cancer screening. By increasing access to screenings we start lifesaving conversations and provide education about family history, personal risk, and cancer prevention," said Dr. Erin King-Mullins, Chair of ASCRS’s DEI Committee.
 
Dr. Thomas Read, ASCRS President-Elect and Chair of the Industry Relations Committee, emphasized, “We appreciate the collaboration of ASCRS physician volunteers and our industry partners to make this project a success. We hope this model will spawn future efforts to better screen persons in underserved communities. Although colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer mortality, it is largely preventable with appropriate screening and treatment.”
 
 
 
About ASCRS
The 4,000+ member American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is the premier society for colon and rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Its board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete a residency in general surgery, plus an additional year in colon and rectal surgery, and pass an intensive examination conducted by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.  For more information, visit www.fascrs.org.
 
About Champions for Health
Champions for Health was formed in 2004 by the San Diego County Medical Society to address the unmet healthcare needs of low-income and uninsured San Diego County residents. A community health nonprofit focusing on access to care for all and community wellness, this foundation was instrumental in amplifying physician engagement and volunteerism, positively impacting the lives of more than 100,000 San Diegans since its inception.
 
Champions for Health’s flagship program is Project Access San Diego, which provides access to uninsured individuals in need of specialty medical care in order to restore health. Champions for Health also facilitates a Community Wellness Program that continues the path to health with free vaccination programs, speakers for community groups, and support geared toward improving San Diego health for all. For more information visit https://championsforhealth.org/
 
 
Media Contact (ASCRS)                  Media Contact (Champions for Health)
Stuart Meyer                                       Cody Nelson
[email protected]                              [email protected]
847-607-6427                                      858-717-2100
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) invites surgeon educators to apply for membership consideration in the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. The aim of the Academy is to recognize and engage renowned surgeon educators from across the surgical specialties in innovative projects that advance the field of surgical education and promote the highest levels of achievement in the lifetimes of surgeons. The Academy is not just an honorific group, but an active working group that has pursued a range of exciting new programs and activities since the Academy was established in 2017.  Read the full letter here.
 

ASCRS calls for increase in screening leading up to National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
 
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. – The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) echoes the importance of colorectal cancer screening ahead of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.
 
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second highest cancer death rate for men and women combined. ASCRS, Howard University Healthcare, and the National Medical Association call for an increase in colorectal screening, evaluation, and education in order to effectively diagnose colorectal cancer sooner.
 
“Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates, especially among African Americans, have been spotlighted by the recent deaths of famous actors, Chadwick Boseman and Natalie Desselle-Reid,” emphasized Dr. Neil Hyman, President of ASCRS, and Dr. Erin King-Mullins, Chair of the ASCRS Diversity Task Force. They added, “Early detection of colorectal cancer is vital to proper treatment. We urge those over 45 to contact their doctor and get screened, especially if they have symptoms or a family history of colorectal cancer.”
 
African Americans show a higher mortality rate for colorectal cancer due to late-stage diagnosis of the disease. This is a consequence of lower rates of screening and evaluation when patients first present symptoms.
 
Screening is recommended to start at age 45 for all people, and it is covered by most, if not all, health insurers.
 
Through screening, precancerous lesions and early asymptomatic cancers can be identified and addressed. There are several different modalities for colorectal cancer screening, and these include colonoscopy, stool DNA, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), barium enema, or virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography).
 
The risks for developing colorectal cancer are increased for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or prior history of some other cancers. However, other risk factors such as obesity, high fat diets, diets low in fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking, excessive use of alcohol, and those with type 2 diabetes may be of greater significance.
 
The most common symptoms for colorectal cancer are change in bowel pattern or shape of stool that persists for several days, a continued sense of the need to pass stool, but can’t, blood from the anus, blood mixed in the stool, abdominal pain, rectal pain, weakness and or fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
 
To learn more, visit www.fascrs.org.
 
About ASCRS
The 4,000+ member American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is the premier society for colon and rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Its board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete a residency in general surgery, plus an additional year in colon and rectal surgery, and pass an intensive examination conducted by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.  For more information, visit www.fascrs.org.
 
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PSA Recordings
Each PSA describes the importance of colorectal screenings and encourages listeners to be proactive and seek colorectal cancer screening.
 
:15 second PSA: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h6k09z55ad581xe/PSA%20CRC%20Screening%2015%20seconds.wav?dl=0
 
:30 second PSA: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ttjgy56gl3fyddg/PSA%20CRC%20Screening%2030%20seconds.wav?dl=0
 
:45 second PSA: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6mqgz72tpzkv4zk/PSA%20CRC%20Screening%2045%20seconds%20.wav?dl=0
 
Media Contact
Ellen Buchanan
[email protected]
240-608-4442
 

We understand that members may not have earned the Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits they planned with the cancellation of the ASCRS 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting. With hopes you can satisfy your continuing education needs, DC&R  bundled 35 CME credits at a discounted price in a special collection, providing you with a savings of more than 90%. View the collection here.

This special collection of DCR/CME articles offers you the opportunity to earn up to 35 Category I CME credits. Included in the collection are ASCRS Clinical Practice Guidelines, Original Contribution articles and articles from our Resident's Corner section.

Purchase of this time-limited special collection allows you to access a select set of earlier articles and add them to your personal planner at one unique price for a limited time only.

By becoming a Fellow of the ASCRS you will be joining a group of individuals who have been members of the Society for at least two years and maintain their certification through the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. As a Fellow, your ASCRS member benefits will continue, and you will become eligible to serve in leadership positions as well as to enjoy voting rights.
 

The deadline for Fellow applications for this year is approaching. All Fellowship applications must be approved by the membership during the 2021 Annual Business Meeting held during the Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in April. In order to meet the deadline, we must receive your application no later than February 19, 2021.
 

You may apply to be a Fellow by completing and submitting the application form to [email protected]. The Fellowship application is located on our website. The Join Now section of the website includes in-depth descriptions of member benefits and reasons to maintain your active status in the Society.
 

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].