M. D. Anderson Physician at Home
in The Woodlands
M. D. Anderson
Pamela Schlembach, M.D. was once asked to describe her perfect job.
“I said it would be running an M. D. Anderson radiation treatment facility in The
Woodlands,
” she recalls with a smile.
As assistant professor of radiation oncology at M. D. Anderson in The Woodlands,
Dr. Schlembach is fulfilling a dream that began in medical school, where she
combined her passion for oncology with her interest in radiation.
Each day, Dr. Schlembach strives to offer hope, healing and strength to her
patients.
Her mother passed away from colorectal cancer, an experience that shaped her
philosophy of care.
“I treat people the way I would want to be treated or would want my loved ones
treated,
” she said.
A six-year resident of The Woodlands, Dr. Schlembach facilitates Breast Friends,
a local cancer support group. Her family also participates in the American
Cancer Society
’s Relay for Life.
M. D. Anderson in The Woodlands provides radiation treatment for all cancers.
For appointments, call 713-563-0050.
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the
United States.
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than
90 percent of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.
Reducing Your Risk
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. However, many people who are at risk
for the disease are not being screened according to national guidelines.
It is estimated that as many as 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be
prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.
In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal
growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps
so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also
can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Some studies show that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy
weight may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear
about other ways to prevent colorectal cancer.
Currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colorectal
cancer, but medical experts recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in
fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products to reduce the risk of other
chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes.
In addition, researchers are examining the role of certain medications and
supplements, including aspirin, calcium, vitamin D and selenium, in preventing
colorectal cancer. While these supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal
cancer, the most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular
colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50.
When Should You Get Screened?
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then
continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be
tested earlier or more often than other people if:
•You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or
•You have inflammatory bowel disease.
If you are aged 50 or older, or think you may be at increased risk for
colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting screened.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all people until they reach 75
years old and for some people when they are older than 75. If you are in this
age group, ask your doctor if you should be screened.
What are the Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer?
Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used
alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor
about which test or tests are best for you. These screening tests are
recommended by the USPSTF:
Colonoscopy - every 10 years
High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test - every year
Flexible sigmoidoscopy - every 5 years.
In addition to these tests, some groups also recommend the double contrast
barium enema as a screening test (every 5 years). Other tests are being
evaluated and may be recommended by the USPSTF for use in colorectal cancer
screening in the future, including CT colonography (also known as
“virtual colonoscopy”) and stool DNA testing.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
