Stephanie V. Oberhelman, DO
 | Stephanie V. Oberhelman, DO is a general surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Osteopathic Surgery. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathy from Ohio University, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio. She completed her training at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Grandview Hospital and Medical Center in Dayton, OH. She performed her residency in general surgery at Grandview Medical Center in Dayton, OH and Mercy Catholic Health System in Norristown, PA, where she was honored to be named Laparoscopic Resident of the Year.Dr. Oberhelman has also been honored with the St. Luke’s Physician Recognition Award and is recognized in the AOA Mentor Hall of Fame. In addition, Dr. Oberhelman completed numerous outside rotations in general surgery at many of the nation’s finest hospitals:Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, NY Riverside Health System in Wichita, KS Houston Northwest Medical Center in Houston, TX Brackenridge Medical Center in Austin, TX MCP Hahnemann University at Philadelphia, PA St. Claire Regional Hospital in Morehead, KYDr. Oberhelman is a member of the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine, American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, American College of Phlebology, American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons.She has previously served as the Sedgwick County Osteopathic Medical Society President. She is the past chapter president of the National Osteopathic Women Physician’s Association/American Medical Women’s Association, local chapter Kansas Foundation of Medical Care, Inc. Dr. Oberhelman was a resident member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American College of Women Surgeons, and American Medical Association.Dr. Oberhelman is dedicated to educating other professionals. She is a national presenter and a Clinical Assistant Professor of General Surgery at both Kansas City University Medicine and Biosciences and at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Wichita. To contact Dr. Oberhelman and Kansas Surgical Arts call (316)722-1333, or visit www.kansassurgicalarts.com. |
Health & Wellness
2013-03-01 10:54:43
March is colon cancer awareness month
Q-What is colon cancer?
Q-What is colon cancer?
A-"Colon" refers to your large intestine. This type of cancer can begin anywhere in the large intestine and can spread throughout the body.
The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes, however, the process goes wrong -- cells become abnormal and form more cells in an uncontrolled way. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign, which means not cancerous, or malignant, which means cancerous.
Colon cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine, also called the large bowel.
Colon cancer accounts for almost ten percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. The risk of developing colon cancer rises after age 50. It is common in both men and women.
Q-Why have a month about colon cancer?
A-Of cancers that affect both men and women, colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. In 2009, 136,717 adults were diagnosed with colon cancer, and 51,848 adults died of the disease in the United States. Many of these deaths could be prevented by catching the cancer early.
Today there are more ways than ever to treat colon cancer. As with almost all cancers, the earlier colon cancer is found, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful. If colon cancer is detected in its early stages, it is up to 90 percent curable.
This is why over fifteen years ago President Clinton declared March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
Q-What causes colon cancer, and who is at risk of developing it?
A-The exact cause of most colon cancers is not yet known. About 75% of colon cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. Some things that may increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer include having; a personal or family history of colon cancer, a medical condition known as inflammatory bowel disease, advancing age, your diet or a smoking history.
Q-What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
A-Colon Cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have colon cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colon cancer is so important.
If there are symptoms, they may include—
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
• Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don't go away.
• Losing weight and you don't know why.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer. However, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
Q-What is screening for colon cancer?
A-Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Colon cancers almost always develop from polyps (abnormal growths) Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colon cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high. Having regular screening tests beginning at age 50 could save your life.
Q-What are the screening tests for colon cancer?
A-Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colon cancer. We recommend a colonoscopy, considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. With a colonoscopy the lining of your colon is inspected with a video camera looking for polyps or other problems.
At our facility patients are given medicine to put them to sleep during the colonoscopy. The test takes 15 to 25 minutes on average, the patients awake and head home almost immediately.
If one or more polyps are found they are removed during the test. If nothing is found and you have no other risk factors, you do not need to be screened again for ten years. If you would like more information on colonoscopy call 316-722-1333 and we will mail you more information.
Q-Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk for colon cancer?
A-Studies have also shown that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk for colon cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent colon cancer.
Research is underway to determine whether dietary changes may decrease the risk for colon cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colon 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. This diet also may reduce the risk of colon cancer. In addition, researchers are examining the role of certain medications and supplements, including aspirin, calcium, vitamin D, and selenium in preventing colon cancer. Overall, the most effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is by having regular colon cancer screening tests beginning at age 50.
Colon cancer screening saves lives. If everyone who is 50 years old or older were screened regularly, we could reduce the number of deaths from colon cancer by 60%.
Q-Is colon cancer screening covered by insurance?
A-With the new healthcare law, most insurance plans and Medicare pay 100% for preventive service like colon cancer screening. Your colonoscopy will usually cost you nothing out of pocket. Check with your insurance plan about their preventive services coverage.
