NEWS RELEASE – March 03, 2023
ARH and KCP To Host 3 Colon Cancer Screening Events
March 03, 2023 – The American Cancer Society says that colorectal cancer is one of the more common cancers diagnosed for both men and women. It is estimated that over 150,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2023.
There is good news though. The rate of people being diagnosed is dropping as more people make lifestyle changes and get screened. According to the American Cancer Society, regular screenings for colorectal cancer can detect cancer earlier when treatments can be the most successful.
Other steps to take to help lower your risk include: do not smoke, avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
ARH continues to strive to improve health and promote well-being of all people in Central Appalachia in partnership with our communities. Free screening events, cooking classes, and diabetes support groups are just some of the steps ARH is taking to fulfill its mission. ARH has partnered with the Kentucky Cancer Program to host three upcoming screening events in the Big Sandy Region.
March 9 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center
260 Hospital Drive
South Williamson KY
March 10 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Paintsville ARH Hospital
625 James S Trimble BLVD
Paintsville, KY
March 20 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
1 Bert Combs DR
Prestonsburg, KY
ARH System Director of Community Development Danielle Harmon says attendees can sign up to receive free at-home colon cancer screening kits (FIT Kits).
Harmon explains, “The Kentucky Cancer Program staff will also be at these three regional events and can answer questions regarding colon cancer and how the FIT Kit works. They can help with referrals for anyone who is uninsured or underinsured and needs a colonoscopy.” Harmon continues, “The Kentucky Cancer Program will be bringing their 12-foot Incredible Colon that you can walk through and learn more about colon health. We want to help our communities in every way we can. We are hosting the three separate events in the region so that anyone who wants to attend can choose the event that is closest to them in distance or most convenient with their schedules. We just want everyone who needs to be screened to have the necessary information because we know that early detection increases success in beating this disease.”
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies. ARH employs more than 6,500 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $330 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 600 active and courtesy medical staff members. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia.