March 2025
… in the
news
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Colorectal cancer remains the second deadliest cancer in the United States, yet it’s largely preventable with early screening. Screening can detect warning signs before cancer develops, increasing the chances of effective treatment. Here’s why getting checked matters: •
Early Detection Saves Lives: Screening can find colorectal cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.
How Can We Help Patients Get Screened?
Inside this issue
Here are some practical steps:
Colorectal Cancer
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Awareness Month ......... Page 1
Chart Preparation: Ensure screening orders are prepared for provider discussion.
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Verify Previous Screenings: Retrieve colonoscopy reports from TidalHealth or other facilities.
Preventive Action: It identifies precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn cancerous.
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Offer Alternative Tests: Recommend Cologuard or Fit tests if colonoscopy is not completed.
Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 7
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Show your support for colorectal cancer awareness by wearing blue on March 7, 2025. Share your group photos with Julie Houk at jhouk@chesapeakehc.org to showcase our commitment to fighting this disease.
Did you know? Sixty percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with regular screening. It’s crucial that we remind our patients of the importance of early detection.
Referral Support: For uninsured or underinsured patients, refer them to the Somerset County Health Department for assistance with colonoscopies.
Competition: March 1 - April 30 Join our competition to encourage screenings! The team with the most screenings will win $50 Amazon gift cards per team member. Let’s make a difference together.
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Colonoscopy: Recommended every 10 years if results are negative.
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Cologuard: Screens for abnormal DNA in stool, recommended every 3 years if negative.
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Fit Test: Detects hidden blood in stool, recommended annually negative.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to promote colorectal cancer screening and saving lives.
Patients have three screening options:
Program ........................ Page 2 Welcome New Staff ......... Page 2 March Staff Anniversaries ................ Page 3 February Kudos ................ Page 3 March Staff Birthdays ...... Page 3 March Trivia Contest........ Page 4 February Trivia Answers ........................ Page 4
Contact Us For questions or suggestions on improving our screening efforts, reach out to Christie Brittingham, QA/QI Coordinator, at ext. 1604 or cbrittingham@chesapeahc.org. Ask for a free lapel pin to show your support!
Screening Options for Patients
New IT Service Management
OUR MISSION Chesapeake Health Care’s mission is to provide affordable, culturally competent patient and family-centered health care, leading to individual and community wellness to residents of the three lower counties in Maryland, regardless of their ability to pay.