medical center offers awareness programs

     The University of Tennessee Medical Center is raising awareness of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, through health education programs about the disease.
     The free programs are open to the community and will be held during the month of March, which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
     The educational programs offered by UT Medical Center discuss risk reduction and treatment options for colorectal cancer.
     The programs include Medical Advancements in Colon Cancer Treatments:from 5 to 6 p.m. March 18 at The University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute 4th floor conference room, presented by Dr. Ramanujan “Ram” Samavedy and Reducing Your Risk for Colon Cancer from noon to 1 p.m. March 24, at Cokesbury Community Center, located at 9908 Kingston Pike, presented by Dr. John Stancher
     While the programs are free and open to all, registration is required. To reserve a seat, call (865) 305-5589.
     From 8 a.m. to noon March 20 the UT Medical Center Cancer Institute and University Gastroenterology also will offer a special half-day of colonoscopy screenings to make it as convenient as possible for those who have challenges taking a day off during the work week.
     Insurance will be filed for the screenings. Space is limited, so call now to reserve your slot at (865) 305-5589.
     The UT Medical Center physicians urge those considered at-risk for developing colorectal cancer to follow the recommended screening guidelines.
     At risks groups include, men and women age 50 and older; those with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease; individuals who are overweight and physically inactive; smokers; heavy alcohol consumers.
     To schedule a screening at UT Medical Center, call (865) 305-6970 or 1-877-UT-CARES.