Hispanic outreach effort on colorectal cancer

Cancer Center continues sponsorship of plays promoting colorectal cancer prevention in Hispanic population
BCM.EDU

RSS icon HOUSTON -- (July 10, 2009) -- The Office of Outreach and Health Disparities in the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine will sponsor on July 20 another performance of a play focused on colorectal cancer prevention geared to Hispanics, a high-risk group for the disease.

"The Cancer Center is committed to educating Hispanics about the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer," said health disparities expert Dr. Maria Jibaja-Weiss, director of the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities and an associate professor of family and community medicine at BCM. "We hope to continue sponsoring these plays. They have become a valuable and fun outlet for communicating this important health information."
Early detection important

Previous performances of the play entitled "Zoot Suit Boogie" were held in March and May 2009. Additionally, the Cancer Center has sponsored similar plays entitled "The Marriage Test" and "Educando a Papa" that address the need for colorectal cancer screening and early detection in this high-risk group.

"Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of colorectal cancer and have a lower probability of survival," said Jibaja-Weiss. "There is lower use of colorectal screening tests and less access to treatment in this group."

Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Hispanic men and women. If caught early (in a localized stage), colorectal cancer can be treated successfully.
Colorectal risk factors

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include personal and family history of polyps (abnormal growth in the colon) or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, inherited syndromes, obesity, alcohol use and consumption of red meat.

Colorectal cancer prevention can be helped with physical activity, eating diets rich in vegetables and fruits, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone replacement therapy for women and, most importantly, detection and removal of polyps before they turn into cancer.

Following the play, there will be a colorectal cancer question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Glori Chauca, project manager and outreach officer in the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities.

Free community event

Written and directed by local playwright Richard E. Reyes, the play, called "Zoot Suit Boogie," will offer a humorous way to learn the facts about an important health issue using live music, hip-hop dancing and the story of a family learning to put their health first.

The play is free and open to the public. It will be held July 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007. Parking is available in the designated lot behind the center on Harvard Street.

For more information about the play, call 713-798-2338 or e-mail Anna Perales at aperales@bcm.edu.

For more information on upcoming community activities in the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities, visit http://www.bcm.edu/cancercenter/outreach.