Learn new technique in colonoscopies at March 24 talk

When most of us turn 50, we think about throwing a party, buying a sporty new car, or taking an exotic vacation. Scheduling a colonoscopy also should be top of mind.

To recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Northwest Community Healthcare is dedicated to raising awareness about colonoscopy screenings. Two NCH Medical Group gastroenterologists will host a free community health seminar, "The importance of colon cancer screening: A look at current and future options," at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 24, in the NCH auditorium, 800 W. Central Road, in Arlington Heights.

NCH Medical Group gastroenterologists Ami Behara, M.D., and Aaron Benson, M.D., will discuss the importance of colonoscopies and how the new Fuse technology at NCH helps doctors detect and remove precancerous polyps sooner. NCH is the first hospital in the Northwest suburbs to use Full Spectrum Endoscopy, or Fuse, which provides a full 330-degree field of view throughout the colon, compared to the typical 170-degree forward view.

With the new Fuse technology, doctors at the NCH Gastroenterology Center can discover 76 percent more polyps during a routine colonoscopy, which might just save someone's life.

"Colonoscopies save lives because the procedure has the ability to detect polyps, which are small, fleshy outgrowths in the wall of the colon that can turn into colon cancer over time," Dr. Behara says. "By removing the polyp, it never will have the potential to turn into cancer."

More than 50,000 people are expected to die of colorectal cancer this year, the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Colorectal cancer is most common after age 50, and the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age.

While the event is free, registration is required because space is limited. Register online or by calling HealthConnection at (847) 618-4968. Complimentary beverages and snacks are available.