Saturday, April 19, 2025
Colon cancer experts and survivors gathered on March 5 at Mount Sinai South Nassau to stress that early detection is the key to preventing one of the nation’s most common yet largely preventable cancers.
“This month is a reminder that through awareness, education and early screening, we can break the stigma around colon health,” said Dr. Rajiv Datta, chair of surgery and medical director of the Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center. “We encourage everyone to speak up, get screened and spread the word.”
The event was part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and featured expert presentations, patient testimonials, and educational screenings aimed at encouraging residents to take charge of their colon health. The event’s core message: early detection saves lives.
“Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we face,” said Dr. Frank Gress, chief of gastroenterology and medical director of the Center for Interventional Endoscopy. “The key is screening before symptoms appear because the disease often remains silent until it’s advanced.”
The doctors stressed that while the recommended age for screenings has traditionally been 50, recent trends indicate a rise in cases among younger individuals, prompting a shift towards earlier screening protocols. Emerging tests like stool DNA screenings and blood tests offer additional options, they are not substitutes for a colonoscopy—especially for young, healthy individuals. Dr. Frank Caliendo, chief of colon and rectal surgery, addressed common misconceptions during his presentation.
“Many patients think that if they feel fine, there’s no reason to get screened,” he said. “But colon cancer can progress silently until it’s too late.” He also noted that while
Family history also plays a crucial role in screening decisions. Caliendo advised that individuals with a first-degree relative who had colon cancer should begin screenings 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis. The program also featured a moving testimonial from 38-year-old Greenlawn resident Matt Barbato, a colon cancer survivor. Barbato recounted how a seemingly minor symptom—rectal bleeding—led to a colonoscopy that uncovered a precancerous tumor.
“I never thought I’d be diagnosed with colon cancer at 36,” Barbato said. “Even with a healthy diet, regular exercise and no family history, I was still affected. My journey taught me not to ignore any symptoms.”
Barbato faced numerous challenges following his diagnosis, including a rigorous treatment plan involving chemotherapy, radiation and robotic surgery.
“The hospital equipped me with everything I needed to care for myself after surgery,” he said. “My story is a reminder that no one is immune. Don’t ignore the signs, and get screened early.”
155,000 new colorectal cancer cases and 53,000 deaths are projected this year, but many deaths can be prevented through early screening. Dr. Dean Pappas, chief of colon and rectal surgery, highlighted the growing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults, a trend that underscores the need for vigilance regardless of age.
“These are numbers we can significantly lower if more people participate in early screening,” he said.
