colorectal cancer awareness month

Press Release: 

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. 

Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop, and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include: 

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms immediately, and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
• Discomfort in the stomach area, such as cramps, gas, or pain that does not go away
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed, and treated appropriately are still alive five years later. 

“Getting screened plays a big role in saving lives by preventing cancer and slowing its progression when found,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“In recent decades, screening rates among older adults have significantly increased, which is great news,” stated Laura Paolucci, Public Health Administrator for the Wyoming County Health Department. “However, current data indicates that individuals lacking health insurance or a primary care provider are undergoing screening procedures less frequently.”

For eligible men and women, the Cancer Services Program offers free screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer. To learn more, call 716-278-4898. If you live in New York State and need health insurance, you can contact the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace by phone at 1-855-355-5777 or online at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45. Residents are also encouraged to increase their physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco. Although more research is needed to understand why, the incidence of colorectal cancer is growing among people younger than 50. If you have concerns about this, speak with your healthcare provider.

For more information on Health Department programs and services call Genesee County Health Department at 585-344- 2580 ext. 5555 or visit their website at GOHealthNY.org. Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formally Twitter) at GOHealthNY.

A local cancer survivor is working hard to spread awareness about colorectal cancer with a certain message that he feels saved his life -- No matter how embarrassing or trivial one's symptoms may be, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Corfu resident Walt Kolmetz is helping to publicize the importance of screening for the disease. He'll be featured on WNED-TV tomorrow at 9 p.m. (Monday, March 28) with another showing on April 11 on ThinkBright and Well TV, also at 9 p.m.

Kolmetz told The Batavian about his personal journey, which started when he applied for a new job. He went through a physical and found out he had high blood pressure.

“I’ve always been in good shape and an athlete, so I thought it was weird and went to my doctor,” he said.

His doctor, whose also a friend, prescribed medicine to try and lower the numbers and asked to see him again in a month. But his blood pressure was still quite high.

“At that point, I mentioned to my doctor that I’d been noticing traces of blood in my stool,” he said. “Yeah, it’s embarrassing but I figured I should just let him know.”

Kolmetz’s doctor suggested that even though he was 41, he should have a colonoscopy done.

“You know, they say you don’t need to get a colonoscopy until you’re 50. Doctors and insurance companies and all of them say it,” Kolmetz said. “Well, if we had waited until I was 50 I wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

He found out about his tumor the day of the test. It was a stage two tumor that was developing into a stage three. The doctor walked into the room, gave the bad news and left.

Kolmetz and his wife, Lisa, didn’t know what to do. They contacted Roswell Hospital and were told to expect a phone call with more information. Then, using a few contacts and friends he made during his days as a paramedic, Kolmetz called some people in the medical field to recommend where he should go.

He ended up going to Buffalo General Hospital to see Dr. Mamauhod Kuylat. Within one week, he was on the operating table having his tumor removed.

“Technically, you’re cancer free once the tumor is removed but chemotherapy and radiation are (used) to make sure there isn’t one cell left with the cancer in it,” Kolmetz explained.

He went through the arduous treatment while continuing to work. He recalls the difficulty he had dealing with a colostomy bag.

“It was hell,” he said. “And no one knew how to help. The doctors, nurses and even my at-home nurse just didn’t know.”

Kolmetz remembered that his greatest fear was the possibility of having a colostomy bag for the rest of his life. He remembers having seriously painful rashes and embarrassing moments.

“There should be some kind of support group or informational group for people who have to deal with colostomy bags,” he said. “I’d be more than willing to be involved because I can tell you firsthand that there’s a real need for a group like this.”

Although it was an awful 21 weeks, Kolmetz says it's all worth it for the opportunity to see his kids grow up and to enjoy this life as much as he can. He only hopes that his survival story can help others take charge of their health.

“I feel obligated because I’ve been blessed,” he said. “Even though I went through a lot with this, I need to try and enlighten people to say ‘Hey, just talk to your doctor, your body is trying to tell you things and don’t be embarrassed.'”