Swope Health working to flip the script on colorectal cancer in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, but efforts here in Kansas City are working to change that.
Colorectal cancer is not only one of the deadliest cancers, but it also disproportionately affects Black communities and other vulnerable groups. Fortunately, advocacy and awareness efforts are helping to flip the script.
At Swope Health, they're tackling this battle head-on, driven by the belief that fighting colorectal cancer means saving lives.
Cass County warns residents of Medicare scam
'The difference between could be your life…I mean point blank,' Ron Car, a patient at Swope Health, said.
'It's heartbreaking for me because when I get them in my office, and I hear the stories – I got this and I got that and I got this going on in my life and I can't afford it – but wait a minute this health insurance is here for you,' Angela Hawkins, an insurance agent at Swope Health said.
In addition to addressing cancer, Swope Health is also working on tackling obesity, alcohol use and other contributing factors. But above all, it's about getting people in front of doctors for screenings.
As Dr. Naomi Jamal, Chief Health Officer at Swope Health, explains:
'It does boil down to screening as well. Over the last decade, we've actually seen the incidents of colorectal cancer decrease.'
Gladstone Police Department searching for missing 26-year-old woman
With an increase in younger people being diagnosed, the recommended age to start screenings is now 45. Angela Hawkins is dedicated to ensuring people are aware of the resources available to them.
'They need to understand we're here for them. All they have to do is take the time out to come up and apply,' Hawkins said.
Dr. Jamal emphasizes that screenings should begin at 45, and Swope Health is open Monday through Friday. Of course, always consult with your doctor as well.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
OSF Healthcare now offering scalp cooling for cancer patients
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A new service being offered at OSF Healthcare is helping patients going through chemotherapy. It's called scalp cooling, and it's a first-of-its-kind service being offered in our area. It's a non-invasive, free treatment designed to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. It works by lowering the temperature of your scalp down to 65 degrees before, during and after chemo. Scalp cooling helps cancer patients keep as much of their hair as possible, which in turn, helps their mental health. Our 2025 Remarkable Women winner, Patricia Cutiletta, had a huge part in bringing this service to our area. 'Well, it has nothing to do with vanity,' Cutiletta said. 'I had an oncologist who said to me, oh, that's for vain people. It's not. It's for people who want to preserve some sense of identity. It's for people who want to continue as much of their normal lifestyle as they can. And it's for people who want something that they can try and control.' The scalp cooling service is part of OSF Healthcare's START program. Which stands for survive, thrive and recover together. There's more than just scalp cooling. Patients can also get personalized care to help navigate their 'new normal' with confidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rosemary, sage could boost brain health: Study
(NewsNation) — A recent study has found that rosemary and sage may have a positive impact on brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study released in the Antioxidants journal shows a compound shared by the two herbs called carnosic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that shield brain cells from damage similar to what can lead to Alzheimer's. Researchers were able to create a more stable form of carnosic acid called diAcCA. Screen time a symptom, cause of emotional distress in kids: Study In preclinical studies, the researchers found that the compound improved memory, boosted brain synapses and reduced harmful Alzheimer's-related proteins like amyloid-beta and tau. The diAcCA compound only activates in inflamed brain regions, which could minimize side effects. To date, studies in mice have shown significant cognitive improvements and no signs of toxicity. Researchers are looking to start human trials soon. Researchers also believe diAcCA could help treat other inflammatory conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's disease. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sickle Cell Awareness: Hampton Roads teen siblings diagnosed at birth
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Sickle Cell Disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting the lives of 100,000 people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen siblings, Morgan Tarrer, 15, and Olivia Tarrer, 19, of Virginia Beach represent that number. Data from the CDC also shows approximately 1 in 365 Black or African American newborns are born with SCD, which is the case for Morgan and Olivia, whose parents are carriers. The two were diagnosed at birth and are left with no choice but to embrace their condition as there is still no cure. 'So I have an abnormality of my Hemoglobin,' says Khristina Reid, Virginia Sickle Cell Network founder and mother of Morgan and Olivia. 'So I carry the C-gene, and Olivia and Morgan's dad, he carries the S-gene. Together our children have both genes. The S and C-gene. So they live with Hemoglobin S-C Disease. While there have been many advances in treating sickle cell disease, the reality for the siblings and others is reduced life expectancy and the probability of health complications. 'It's something that I've found is always on your mind,' says Olivia. 'I'm in college. I'm up in New York, so I'm very far from my family. And I've realized, especially living in dorms, being around with friends, that you have to be extra, extra careful. Because with sickle cell, you're very, immunocompromised.' CDC finding reveal, more than 90% of people diagnosed with sickle cell in the US are non-Hispanic black or African American. 'So the reason is, sickle cell disease was the body's kind of defense mechanism against malaria,' says Reid. 'So you will find the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in your, locations that are near the equator. So Nigeria right now is the, largest country, with the largest population of people living with sickle cell disease.' Those diagnosed with SCD can range in symptoms from frequent infections, anemia, episodes of pain, problems with vision and tiredness. Olivia's says she experiences a great deal of fatigue. While she remains optimistic, there's always concern about her years ahead. 'That has been a problem in school for me,' she says. 'I remember last not last year, but my senior year of high school. All through high school, it was a struggle getting to school because we had it so early. I think the most challenging part is uncertainty about the future. I'm in film. I'm a NYU film, and it's a very physical job. It's also a very, You have to be up early, go to sleep late. And that's when I do that. When I am on set, it's very strenuous, and I worry that I won't be able to be at the same caliber, as my peers.' For information on the Virginia Sickle Cell Network, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
