Cancer center outreach group schedules Nov. 10 colorectal cancer play

HOUSTON -- (November 5, 2009) -- The Office of Outreach and Health Disparities in the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine will continue its efforts to educate Hispanics about the importance of preventing colorectal cancer with a Spanish-language play Nov. 10. The play, free and open to the public, begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Cleveland Ripley Neighborhood Center, 720 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas, 77504.

The performance will addresses the need for colorectal cancer screening and early detection in this high-risk group.

Hispanics at high risk

Titled "Educando a Papa," the play tells the story of a family divided by culture when the father decides not to have a routine colorectal cancer screening test.

"This situation is very common in Hispanic families. Entrenched ideas prevent them from getting screened," said Dr. Maria Jibaja-Weiss, director of the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities at BCM. "Our goal is to educate this group about their increased risk and encourage them to gain access to screening tests and treatment."

Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Hispanic men and women. If caught early (in a localized stage), colorectal cancer can be treated successfully.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include personal and family history of polyps (abnormal growth in the colon) or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, inherited syndromes, obesity, alcohol use and consumption of red meat.

Q&A part of event

Colorectal cancer prevention can be helped with physical activity, eating diets rich in vegetables and fruits, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone replacement therapy for women and, most importantly, detection and removal of polyps before they turn into cancer.

Following the play, there will be a colorectal cancer question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Glori Chauca, project manager and outreach officer in the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities.

The play is produced by Grupo de Teatro Somos Todos, a theater group specializing in Spanish-language productions. A mixture of comedy and drama, it will also include original music.

The Office of Outreach has sponsored several, similar plays this year including "Zoot Suit Boogie" and "The Marriage Test."

For more information about the play, call 713-798-2338 or e-mail Anna Perales at aperales@bcm.edu.