Page 27 - CNF April 2021

Early Detection of Colorectal
Physicians Ready to Assist
Cancer Saves Lives
with Next Phase of Push Toward

The pandemic continues likely to get colorectal can- COVID-19 Herd Immunity
to affect the health of every- cer and approximately
one, as evidenced by the 40% more are likely to die
dramatic drop in all routine from it than most other Physicians have been waiting anxiously as the state
screenings and tests. groups. When actor and federal governments have rolled out their efforts
At Broward Health, col- Chadwick Boseman passed to vaccinate the population. It appears we may be
orectal cancer screenings away at 43, he not only reaching a tipping point where we can no longer have
plummeted nearly 60% sys- became part of the 40% this trusted and eager army of medical professionals
temwide from 2019 due in statistic, he also is part of waiting on the sidelines.
large part to the COVID-19 the younger age group. The ugly scenes from Miami Beach during Spring
pandemic. Without the “It is a concern that Break were an unfortunate reminder that the only
screenings, potentially life- more and more younger long-term solution to awaken our community from
saving diagnoses may be Dr. Joseph Corallo patients are being diag- the COVID-19 nightmare is to reach herd immunity.
missed that could lead to nosed with colorectal can- Our businesses, workers, and neighbors continue to
less favorable long-term outcomes. cers,” said Dr. Corallo. “Again, screen- be at risk of exposure from this mindless few as they
Diagnosis at a later stage, decreases the ings are obviously key to early detec- attempt to restore services and operations. BY FRASER COBBE
rate of survivorship, while treatments tion.” In mid-March, we also saw a decreased demand for
work best when colorectal cancer is As many as one in 13 adults experi- vaccination at the publicly operated vaccination
detected at an early stage. Nine in 10 ence bowel control issues and nearly half sites. The decreased traffic rightfully led local leaders, including Miami-Dade
patients whose colorectal cancers are of the population has hemorrhoids by County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, to call for expanding eligibility at those
found early and undergo treatment are age 50. These problems are rarely dis- sites to younger populations.
still alive five years later. cussed and may have a dramatic impact The decreased demand for vaccine is a signal that the most challenging phase
“Colorectal cancer screenings are on quality of life or could even lead to of our hunt for herd immunity is upon us. Health care leaders have been
extremely important because colorectal colon cancer. Many people incorrectly engaged in community conversations with leaders within minority and under-
cancer is the third most commonly diag- assume they are a normal consequence served communities. The message we have received is clear. This uneasy popu-
nosed cancer in men and women,” said of aging or are normal health issues for lation needs reassurance of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. And, often, it
Joseph Corallo, M.D., medical director women after childbirth. is their physician, a trusted member of their community, who is the best to deliv-
of the Colorectal Center at Broward Broward Health’s colon and rectal spe- er that important message of reassurance.
Health Coral Springs. “Early detection of cialists are fully trained surgeons with The Dade County Medical Association has been encouraging its physician
colon cancer is critical because your life- board certification in the surgical and members to register on Florida Shots to be COVID-19 vaccinators. We know
time survival is much higher if it is non-surgical treatment of benign and thousands of physicians across our community and throughout the state have
caught in an early stage, and it may be as malignant colon and rectal conditions. registered and stand ready to perform the important task of encouragement and
high as 90%.” They are focused on helping patients vaccination.
While colorectal cancer affects men achieve comfort through accurate diag- With new vaccines that are easier to store and deliver, it’s time to let physicians
and women of all racial and ethnic nosis, specialized treatment and follow- care for their communities.
groups, and most often found in those up care. Emphasis is placed on the pre-
50 years or older, significant cancer vention and early detection of colorectal Fraser Cobbe, Executive Director, Dade County Medical Association,
health disparities among minority popu- cancer via screening and surveillance can be reached at fcobbe@miamimed.com.
lations are also leading to higher rates of programs. Special attention is given to
colorectal cancer. According to the the family history to assess for a possible
American Cancer Society, colorectal can- genetic-familial component to colorectal
cer disproportionately affects the Black cancer and polyps including genetic
Health Care District of Palm Beach
community. Blacks are nearly 20% more counseling and testing.
County Reaches 100,000th
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SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS & Announces Launch of Streamlined
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Subscribe online at Online Self-Scheduling Process
www.southfloridahospitalnews.com The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has streamlined its online COVID-
or call 561-368-6950 19 vaccine appointment request process to make it more user-friendly and efficient.
The Health Care District announced the launch of a new scheduling system available
at http://vaccine.hcdpbc.org. The technology allows those who are eligible under
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order to self-schedule the time and loca-
tion of their vaccination appointment. The system rollout is timely as it coincides
R
O
WHA T ARE Y OU with the Health Care District marking a milestone of providing 100,000 COVID-19
vaccines.
“We are excited to roll out this self-scheduling link so eligible adults can quickly
W A G and easily schedule their appointments at one of our three large-scale vaccination
AITING FOR?
sites,” said Darcy J. Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care District of Palm
Beach County. “As eligibility expands and vaccine supply increases, we are well-posi-
tioned with our new technology to accommodate demand for the next 100,000 vac-
As sociate Degr ee In Nursing cinations.”
g
r P actical Nursing • Medical As sisting The Health Care District’s appointment-only, walk-in vaccination sites are located
at the South County Civic Center west of Delray Beach, the Burns Road Community
Medical As
Medical Assisting with B X -Ray Oper ation
sisting with BBasic
ay Operation
Basic
Center in Palm Beach Gardens, and the South Florida Fairgrounds in suburban West
Palm Beach. These sites are supported by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the City of
Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, United Way volunteers, Palm
Beach County leadership and the Florida Department of Health for Palm Beach
County.
The new single-step scheduling form gives patients more control, reduces wait
times for appointments and makes it clear where patients stand in the process.
O
R FUTU
U
R
G IGN T T I NI EEYOU R UR E E Individuals who visit the website can schedule themselves until all appointments are
full. For those with no internet access, the Health Care District’s helpline at (561)
804-4115 is available to assist in English, Spanish and Creole. Appointments are
FOR TIS COLLEGE • 96000 S DIXIE HWY B, , B, CUTLER BA Y • 8 5 85 5-4 44 5-3 2 327 6 76 available based on demand and vaccine supply that is received weekly.
4
45
e
F inancial aid available for those who qualify C . ar eer placement as sistance for all gr aduates. F or consumer information, visit fortis.edu.
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6 April 2021 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News