News Releases

Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital Raises Awareness For Colon Cancer

Physicians On Hand & Information Available at March 28 Open House

Houston, Texas, March 24, 2003 - - March is "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month." One of the five leading types of cancer in the nation, colorectal cancer is diagnosed in more than 147,000 patients each year. Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital invites the community to come speak to physicians about their questions and concerns Friday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the hospital's main lobby. Free brochures and other information also will be available on early detection, warning signs, screening options and lifestyle changes to reduce risks. Colorectal cancer is one of the top five types of cancer treated at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital.

Colon cancer is a disease that strikes an equal number of men and women over the age of 50, but also is found in younger individuals who may have a history of colon cancer or other digestive disorders. "The good news about colon cancer is that more than 90 percent of colon cancer can be prevented through early detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps," says Arthur D. Hamberger, M.D., a radiation oncologist on the medical staff at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. Early detection and prevention are key factors in controlling and curing colon cancer. Symptoms that may require screening include changes in bowel habit, bleeding in the stool that persists for more than a couple of weeks, frequent abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort. For a physician directory that provides a list of qualified physician specialists in the area, call 713-867-4668 or visit www.memorialhermann.org.

Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital is one of 11 hospitals in the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. The not-for-profit health care system provides quality, comprehensive programs and services for a person's whole life. Memorial Hermann takes a holistic approach to health care, offering programs and services that address the physical, social, psychological and spiritual aspects of wellbeing. Our employees, volunteers and medical staff partners take pride in delivering care with compassion and respect.

For more information, contact Media Relations.