Award Recognizes Work Supporting Colorectal Cancer Screening

Fredericksburg, Va. – April 4, 2018 – The Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) Regional Cancer Center has been chosen by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to receive a Colorectal Cancer Partnership (CRC) Award in recognition of its support for and efforts in colorectal cancer screening. The CRC Partnership Award will provide MWHC with funding specifically designated to support colorectal cancer screening initiatives in 2018.

Dr. Richard Fortunato, DO, FASCRS, FACS, Surgical Chair,
MWHC Regional Cancer Center Colorectal Cancer Program,
and Annika Dean, ACS Health Systems Manager

The CRC award recognizes hospital systems that have embraced a shared goal of reaching 80% of adults aged 50 and older who are up to date with colorectal cancer screening in 2018. Criteria include a high level of engagement with ACS, signing of the 80% by 2018 national campaign pledge, and currently working on or planning colorectal cancer prevention and screening initiatives.

“Being nationally recognized for our community outreach confirms that MWHC is committed to superior colon and rectal cancer prevention and treatment,” said Richard Fortunato, DO, FASCRS, FACS, Surgical Chair, MWHC Regional Cancer Center Colorectal Cancer Program.

MWHC plans to use the grant funds for year-round community outreach endeavors including physician and patient colon colorectal cancer awareness, nutritional prevention programs, expanded screening programs, and other educational forums.

“Major strides have been made with screening rates in Virginia, but we can do better,” said Annika Dean, ACS Health Systems Manager. “Our partnerships across the state are helping to improve those numbers and we are grateful for the collaboration.”

In 2018, it is estimated that 3,380 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in Virginia. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. when men and women are combined, yet it can be prevented or detected at an early stage. There are several screening options available, including simple take-home options. Talk to your doctor about getting screened. For more information, please visit Cancer.mwhc.com.

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Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional medical system that provides inpatient and outpatient care through 28 facilities, including Mary Washington Hospice, and services including Mary Washington Hospital, a 451-bed regional medical center, and Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital. Mary Washington Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit MaryWashingtonHealthcare.com