Free Colorectal Cancer Educational Event Nov. 4

Colorectal cancer – also referred to as colon cancer – is the second most deadly form of cancer, second only to lung cancer, and causes more than 50,000 deaths in this country each year. While it is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., it is preventable and often treatable with lifestyle changes, proper screenings and early intervention.

Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is teaming up with City of Hope, Antelope Valley Partners for Health, American Cancer Society and Antelope Valley Community Clinic to provide an educational workshop focused on understanding and preventing colon cancer. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the AV Hospital Community Resource Center (44151 15th Street West, Lancaster).

The workshop is designed to offer attendees information about risk factors, screening guidelines and options, and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help reduce one’s chances of developing colon cancer as well as treatments and surgical interventions. The program will include special presentations by Dr. Vivaik Tyagi, an AV Hospital gastroenterologist; Dr. Heather Player, a surgeon from City of Hope; Dr. Ji Kim, a radiation oncologist from City of Hope; along with experts from Antelope Valley Partners for Health and Antelope Valley Community Clinic. Refreshments will be provided.

Attendees also will receive information about colorectal cancer screening and resources for getting screened if they do not have access to care.

Colon cancer almost always starts with a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum, called a polyp. By finding and removing these polyps before they become cancerous, many cases of colon cancer can be avoided.

"Most people don’t give much thought to their digestive system until something goes awry with it," said Dr. Tyagi. "Through this event we want to help local residents better understand this complex system and help take away the fear they may have of screening for colon cancer. It could save their lives."

AV Hospital Gastroenterology Lab

Antelope Valley Medical Center offers a full-service gastroenterology laboratory – better known as the GI lab. It is staffed by physicians, nurses and other specially trained professionals who are certified to perform a full range of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic procedures and treatments. AVMC’s GI lab has the most advanced technology in the Antelope Valley, which means it is equipped to handle routine procedures, such as preventive colonoscopies, as well as more complicated procedures like removing foreign items from the intestine, controlling gastrointestinal bleeding, managing advanced liver cirrhosis and more.

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center, a 420-bed district hospital located in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The area’s only full-service hospital, AVMC provides a full array of medical/surgical services, pediatric treatment, NICU, mental health, cancer care and more. It is a Level II trauma center, Accredited Chest Pain Center, Advanced Primary Stroke Center and a Certified Community Cancer Center. More information is available at www.AVMC.org or by calling 661-949-5000. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/antelopevalleyhospital.