|
|
|
Jim Tancredi, of Odessa knows what it’s like to have colon cancer affect his life. Both of Tancredi’s parents were diagnosed with colon cancer. With the passing of his mother from the disease in 2004, he created the Tancredi Colon Cancer Prevention Foundation [TCCPF].
“A tremendous amount of people don’t know the importance of cancer screening,” Tancredi said. “Those people who are unaware of the dangers going on inside their body should open up dialogue with their doctor. It’s as simple as talking to their physicians. Awareness about cancer is extremely important.”
This Saturday, Tancredi will host the fifth annual Pace for Prevention 5K run to increase awareness about colon cancer and the importance of getting screened. The first 5K was in 2005 after the TCCPF was established.
This year, as he raises awareness for colon cancer, he is introducing new technology used for colon cancer screening – virtual colonoscopy.
The computed tomographic colonography [CTC] as a screening option offers a less expensive and less evasive option for patients. Patients prepare for CTC the same was they would prepare for a standard colonoscopy, and are informed that they will be referred for a same-day colonoscopy if any suspicious lesions are found.
The CTC takes about 15 minutes to complete, then patients sit in the waiting area for about 45 minutes to an hour while the films are read.
“I want people to understand what it is about,” Tancredi said. “The biggest thing is virtual is like a CAT scan or an MRI. There’s a negative stigma associated with the test. Basically, you lay on the table like you’re getting an X-ray, they do procedure and they let you know what they find. You’re in and out in an hour to an hour-and-a-half and you have your answers.”
Tancredi said costs for the virtual colonoscopy range from $700 to $1,000 depending on if you have to schedule a standard colonoscopy to have lesions removed. Most insurance providers will cover the new procedure. The standard colonoscopy with the scope is about $2,000.
The State of Delaware Cancer Consortium, which was formed after a study showed that Delaware had the second highest incidence of cancer in the country, has joined the Screening for Life program, which increases awareness and urges patients to get screened.
“If you’re 50 years old or older, you should have this test done,” Tancredi said. “If you’re at risk, you should be screened sometime in your 30s. If someone has not been screened because they do not have health insurance, now they don’t have to worry about it.”
If you are 50 years old or older or are at high risk for colon cancer, the program Screening for Life will cover the costs of the procedure.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. In 2005, 72,007 men and 69,398 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 26,781 men and 26,224 women died from colorectal cancer.
Tancredi said auctions help spread colon cancer awareness and get the word out about the importance of screenings.
Tancredi said there will be a guitar from Jon Bon Jovi up for auction att he event. TCCPF partnered with City of Hope [a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center] who helped them partner with the band One Republic.
They also will auction items off on eBay.
The TCCPF has partnered with many entertainers, but is still trying to organize “A Christmas Story” fundraiser, which has yet not been scheduled.
“For that, we have to put together a large contingency of sponsors,” he said. “We try to partner up with high profile entertainers who are approachable. If it saves one person’s life because they went to the show and heard about the importance of getting screened. It’s well worth it.”
Dr. Mark Baumel will be the guest speaker during Pace for Prevention.
“Usually, we have a cancer survivor tell their story, but this year we thought it would make sense to get the virtual colonoscopy out there,” Tancredi said.
There is a registration fee, but it will be waived for runners who collect donations of $50 or more.
After the race, there will be a barbeque-style buffet at Iron Hill Brewery with beer. Baumel will then talk about virtual colonoscopies and awards will be given out to the top three male and female in each division, and the top three male and female walkers.
Jim Tancredi, of Odessa knows what it’s like to have colon cancer affect his life. Both of Tancredi’s parents were diagnosed with colon cancer. With the passing of his mother from the disease in 2004, he created the Tancredi Colon Cancer Prevention Foundation [TCCPF].
“A tremendous amount of people don’t know the importance of cancer screening,” Tancredi said. “Those people who are unaware of the dangers going on inside their body should open up dialogue with their doctor. It’s as simple as talking to their physicians. Awareness about cancer is extremely important.”
This Saturday, Tancredi will host the fifth annual Pace for Prevention 5K run to increase awareness about colon cancer and the importance of getting screened. The first 5K was in 2005 after the TCCPF was established.
This year, as he raises awareness for colon cancer, he is introducing new technology used for colon cancer screening – virtual colonoscopy.
The computed tomographic colonography [CTC] as a screening option offers a less expensive and less evasive option for patients. Patients prepare for CTC the same was they would prepare for a standard colonoscopy, and are informed that they will be referred for a same-day colonoscopy if any suspicious lesions are found.
The CTC takes about 15 minutes to complete, then patients sit in the waiting area for about 45 minutes to an hour while the films are read.
“I want people to understand what it is about,” Tancredi said. “The biggest thing is virtual is like a CAT scan or an MRI. There’s a negative stigma associated with the test. Basically, you lay on the table like you’re getting an X-ray, they do procedure and they let you know what they find. You’re in and out in an hour to an hour-and-a-half and you have your answers.”
Tancredi said costs for the virtual colonoscopy range from $700 to $1,000 depending on if you have to schedule a standard colonoscopy to have lesions removed. Most insurance providers will cover the new procedure. The standard colonoscopy with the scope is about $2,000.
The State of Delaware Cancer Consortium, which was formed after a study showed that Delaware had the second highest incidence of cancer in the country, has joined the Screening for Life program, which increases awareness and urges patients to get screened.
“If you’re 50 years old or older, you should have this test done,” Tancredi said. “If you’re at risk, you should be screened sometime in your 30s. If someone has not been screened because they do not have health insurance, now they don’t have to worry about it.”
If you are 50 years old or older or are at high risk for colon cancer, the program Screening for Life will cover the costs of the procedure.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. In 2005, 72,007 men and 69,398 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 26,781 men and 26,224 women died from colorectal cancer.
Tancredi said auctions help spread colon cancer awareness and get the word out about the importance of screenings.
Tancredi said there will be a guitar from Jon Bon Jovi up for auction att he event. TCCPF partnered with City of Hope [a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center] who helped them partner with the band One Republic.
They also will auction items off on eBay.
The TCCPF has partnered with many entertainers, but is still trying to organize “A Christmas Story” fundraiser, which has yet not been scheduled.
“For that, we have to put together a large contingency of sponsors,” he said. “We try to partner up with high profile entertainers who are approachable. If it saves one person’s life because they went to the show and heard about the importance of getting screened. It’s well worth it.”
Dr. Mark Baumel will be the guest speaker during Pace for Prevention.
“Usually, we have a cancer survivor tell their story, but this year we thought it would make sense to get the virtual colonoscopy out there,” Tancredi said.
There is a registration fee, but it will be waived for runners who collect donations of $50 or more.
After the race, there will be a barbeque-style buffet at Iron Hill Brewery with beer. Baumel will then talk about virtual colonoscopies and awards will be given out to the top three male and female in each division, and the top three male and female walkers.
