The Lincoln County Health Department continues to join health care professionals around the state in observing April as "Minority Health Month" in Georgia by providing the public with information on prostate cancer, colon cancer, and diabetes, diseases with target African Americans.

According to Cynthia Fox, RN, local health department facility administrator, African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world (one in four). In fact, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in African American men.

"There are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer while it is still in its early stages," said Fox. "This is why wide-spread screening is so critical. Every African American man, age 45 or older, should resolve to be screened annually for prostate cancer. Those with a family history of the disease should start screening at age 40."

Two tests are commonly used to detect prostate cancer: a blood test, the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). The PSA is the best option for diagnosing the disease.

Before the advent of early detection through PSA screening, about threefourths of all prostate cancer cases were found in the late stages. Now, with the widespread use of screening, 88 percent of cases in African American men are found in early.

In other comments on prostate cancer, Fox noted that men can lower their risk of contracting the disease by changing their diet. "A low-fat diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables is a good start. Studies show a strong connection between the consumption of saturated fat and red meat, and increased rates of prostate cancer and mortality."

In her remarks on colorectal cancer, commonly referred to as colon cancer, Fox pointed out that African Americans have the highest death rate from colon cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the United States.

She went on to note that in addition to race, the other primary risk factors for the disease are age and family history. "The risk of colon cancer increases with age. More than 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. Many are unaware that once they turn 50, they should be screened yearly for the disease.

"As for family history, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or of inflammatory bowel disease of significant duration increases the likelihood of having colorectal cancer. Men and women who fall into this group might need to be screened before age 50." Moreover, women with a personal

or family history of ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer should talk with their doctors about early screening for colorectal cancer as well.

Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in fat and/or red meat, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

Over 56,000 people will die from this highly-preventable cancer this year. It is estimated that 30,000 of these 56,290 lives could be saved if men and women would simply get screened. When detected early, colorectal cancer is up to 90 percent curable.

Fox indicated that the four tests for colon cancer recommended by doctors are: a colonoscopy, a visual examination of the rectum and entire colon performed in a hospital or clinic - it is considered to be the gold standard; a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a visual examination of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon which is performed in a doctor's office; a double contrast barium enema which outlines the intestine and enables the doctor to take x-rays of the lower intestine; and a fecal occult blood test, a simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool.

"Treatment for colorectal cancer is most effective when the cancer is found early," said Fox. "Routine screening can make that happen. There are usually no discernible symptoms in the early stages of the disease."

The third disease that targets minorities is diabetes.

"African Americans are at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, and two out of three people with diabetes die of a heart attack or a stroke - this is serious business," stated Fox. "On the average, African Americans are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of a similar age."

Some of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases, are: a family history of diabetes, being of African American descent, being overweight or obese, having had diabetes while pregnant, having high blood pressure, having abnormal cholesterol (lipid) levels, and not getting enough physical exercise.

The test for diabetes is simple, usually just a finger stick.

Although diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications, according to Fox. These steps include keeping blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, called the "ABCs of Diabetes," in the target range; eating healthy foods; being physically active; taking diabetes medicines as prescribed; and testing blood glucose levels on a regular basis.

"We hope that African Americans and others will take the initiative to get screened for prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and diabetes," said Fox. "The gift of health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and those you love."

In conjunction with Minority Health Month, the Lincoln County Health Department and Dr. Michelle Mason-Woodard will sponsor "Health Fest Lincoln" on Saturday, April 22, at the Curry Colvin Recreation Complex. The event will feature a 5K run through Lincolnton; registration is set to begin at 7:30 a.m.

Also, the health department will be staffing table-top booths that will serve to raise awareness about prevention and disease management and to promote lifestyle and behavioral changes to improve health outcomes. Health professionals will be manning the booths from 9 a.m. until 12 noon to provide information, pamphlets, and answers to questions concerning colorectal disease, prostate cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell disease.

Likewise, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other snacks will be available at a concession stand run by members of the Mulberry C.M.E. Church. The proceeds will benefit Lincoln County's American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life set for Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, at Buddy Bufford Field.

All members of the community are encouraged to participate in Health Fest Lincoln.

For more information about the health fest, contact Dr. MasonWoodard at 706-359-2419, the health department at 706-359-3154, or Emma Smith at 706-359-7345.