On March 21, the UAB Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery partnered with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center to increase colorectal cancer education and awareness with a community event in Greenville, Alabama.

UAB Surgery faculty and staff joined together to answer questions about colorectal cancer and encourage attendees to register for a screening appointment.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in men and the fourth leading cause in women in the United States; however, by participating in routine colonoscopies to detect pre-cancerous polyps, colorectal cancer can be potentially prevented.

As part of the UAB Surgery Community Network, the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery has partnered with local hospitals to ensure that individuals across the state of Alabama have access to the extensive support and treatment options provided through UAB.

“For four years, we have worked in Butler County to improve access and enhance the quality of colorectal cancer care in rural Alabama. We aim to bridge the gap in scheduling screening appointments by expanding our patient contact,” says Gastrointestinal Surgery Assistant Professor Manu Kaushik, M.D. “Hosting such events is an excellent way to foster meaningful connections with patients throughout the state.”