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
The
American Cancer Society
is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to
saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without
cancer. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365
live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists
to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking
cancer from every angle. For more information go to
cancer.org.