A panel of experts gathered at University Hospital’s Samaritan Medical Center to address the rising concern of colorectal cancer in Ashland County. The county reportedly has higher death rates from this disease compared to state and national averages, as per the National Cancer Institute. The event was organized by the Ashland County Health and Wellness Target Action Group (TAG) with an aim to reverse these statistics.
The panel featured Sarah Rivenburgh, a registered dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital; Jenny Keesee, a board member of the Ashland County Cancer Association; Dr. Megan Sippey, a general surgeon at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center; Dr. Mehrdad Tavallaee, an internal medicine physician at the same center; and Liza Hillel, a medical science liaison with Exact Sciences. Elisa Bryant moderated the discussion.
Key topics included risk factors such as family history and genetics. Dr. Sippey highlighted that individuals with relatives diagnosed before age 45 are at increased risk. Rivenburgh emphasized dietary choices, stating that whole grains, fiber, and dairy could reduce cancer risk while red meat and processed foods might increase it.
“Red meat is high in heme-iron and when it’s digested, it creates free radicals that result in damage to DNA and cells,” said Rivenburgh. “If your body doesn’t clear it, it could lead to cancer down the road. When your body digests the heme iron, it can create N-nitroso compounds, or NOCs, which are carcinogenic to the body. For these reasons, we recommend eating little, if any, processed meat and limit red meat to 12-18 ounces per week.”
The panel stressed improving screening rates in Ashland County where only 48% of residents aged 50-75 have been screened for colorectal cancer according to Ohio Department of Health data. “Colorectal cancer is the most preventable cancer given what we know about how polyps take 10 to 15 years to turn into a cancer-yet it’s the least prevented cancer," said Hillel. Most experts agreed that increasing compliance with screenings would significantly lower death rates.