6 / 16
THERE MAY BE
a thousand
things you'd rather do than be
screened for colorectal cancer. But
if you're age 50 to 75, it may be
time to say yes to a test. Just ask
Charles Robinson, age 43, quarterback
for the 1992 National Championship
Jacksonville State University (JSU)
football team and Anniston resident.
Robinson experienced stomach
pains and restricted bowel
movements in May 2013. After
ignoring symptoms for several
weeks, he sought treatment at RMC
in Anniston. Tests revealed a tumor
in his colon, and he was whisked
immediately into surgery. Doctors
removed the tumor but discovered
malignancy in his lymph nodes,
requiring weekly chemotherapy that
he still receives today.
It's preventable
The second leading cause of U.S.
cancer deaths, colorectal cancer
often starts as a growth (polyp)
inside the colon.
"Screening tests—including
colonoscopies—can spot cancer
early, when it's easiest to treat,”
says Mohamad Eloubeidi, MD,
gastroenterologist. “We can remove
these growths before they become
cancerous.” Dr. Eloubeidi emphasizes
SCREENINGS
COLORECTAL CANCER
One test could
SAVE A
LIFE
the importance of early action,
saying, "Don’t wait for symptoms to
develop, as the disease is likely to be
in an advanced state.”
If your screening test reveals
polyps or cancer, your children
or other close relatives may be at
higher risk for the disease. They
may choose to get screened sooner
than age 50, which can reduce the
chances of developing the disease.
Robinson’s grandmother
passed away at age 80 from colon
cancer, yet he never expected
this interruption in his own life.
However, he maintains a positive and
encouraging outlook.
“I’m thankful the doctors caught
this cancer quickly and I could move
on with my life,” Robinson says. “I was
in good physical shape, so the doctors
felt that surgery and chemotherapy
were the best options for me. I’m still
young, and I plan to keep living my life
to the fullest and enjoying everything
I know is ahead of me.”
“I’m thankful the doctors
caught this cancer quickly and
I could move on with my life.”
—Charles Robinson, survivor
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS AND SCREENING EVENT
Join us at the annual Anniston Canyon Climb and RMC
Health Fair. The Canyon Climb includes a 5-mile run
and 2.7-mile walk.
GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR
Saturday,
March 25
Come experience Anniston Runners Club’s challenging Grand Prix
race, a scenic run through Anniston neighborhoods with a cumulative
climb of 1,100 feet! And take advantage of RMC’s FREE health fair with
at-home screening tests for colorectal cancer—offered during March
for Colorectal Cancer Month.
Visit
annistonrunners.com/event-calendarfor more information on
the Climb.
ABOVE:
Charles Robinson
was quarterback of the 1992
National Championship JSU
football team.
LEFT:
Charles Robinson and
his wife, Sonya.
Regional Medical Center
6