March 2025 Newsletter

March 2025

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Prevalence:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Risk Factors:

Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 50.
Family history: Having a close relative with colorectal cancer increases the risk.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a low-fiber diet.

Symptoms:

Often asymptomatic in early stages
Changes in bowel habits (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool)
Abdominal pain or bloating
Weight loss
Fatigue

Diagnosis:

Colonoscopy: A procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to examine the lining.
Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken for examination under a microscope.

Treatment:

Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer.
Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Prevention:

Regular screenings (colonoscopy or stool tests like Cologaurd), Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and Quitting smoking.

Additional Facts:

Colorectal cancer can start as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps.
The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed.
Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of survival.

Click Here to Learn more about Colorectal Cancer from the American Cancer society

FUN FACT:

March was named after Mars, the Roman God of War; because this was the time of year, wars that had been paused for winter resumed.

Office Updates for Current Patients

My apologies for the gap in newsletters. The holidays were certainly busy here at 4Health and then the Influenza A, Norovirus and COVID viruses continued to hit our community! 4Health has continued to grow, thank you to everyone for the personal referrals. We are still taking new patients but at a slower rate and expect to be closed to new patients quite soon.

Communication reminders
NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS Tue-Fri 8am-5pm
During normal business hours you can email, text or call.

Phone calls will be returned same business day. Please call for anything that is urgent.
Text messages will be returned the same business day.
Emails are also HIPPA compliant and will be returned with-in 1-2 business days.
AFTER HOURS please call with urgent concerns otherwise send an email and I will respond as soon as I'm back in the office.

If you would like to learn more about direct primary care and becoming a patient, Set-Up a Meet N' Greet NOW (click here)

4Health Family Medicine -

32 Tandberg Trail Unit 6

Windham, ME

(207)544-4564

Visit our Website to Learn More (click here)