The American Cancer Society has recognized Greene Memorial Hospital for the hospital’s efforts in raising awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening colonoscopies.

Through its “Colonoscopies Save Lives!” campaign, GMH has strived to make screening for colorectal cancer a priority for both physicians and patients. The American Cancer Society lauded those efforts with a plaque at a presentation Monday at the hospital.

The campaign included radio and print advertisements, billboards, direct mailings and a colonoscopy Web page with information about the procedure and physicians who offer it. The American Cancer Society also teamed with the hospital to distribute colonoscopy kits to area physicians with brochures and other useful materials for patients.

The idea for the campaign was born in 2006 during the Colorectal Cancer Summit, which included representatives from the American Cancer Society and Greene County Combined Health District as well as Greene Memorial Hospital staff physicians.

The campaign is linked to a 22-percent increase in completed colonoscopies at Greene Memorial Hospital in 2007 over the year prior. The goal for the campaign was 10 percent.

“We were delighted to see the increase in colonoscopies in Greene County,” said Terri VanZant, oncology services manager at Greene Memorial Hospital. “We know that colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. So when we can find it early, through colonoscopies, we are saving lives.”

Karla Kuhlman, the American Cancer Society’s community director for Greene County, congratulated the hospital for its leadership in preventing colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that each year in Greene County 76 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and another 27 people die from the disease.

“As the No. 2 cancer killer, colorectal cancer is a high priority for the American Cancer Society,” Kuhlman said. “Prevention and early detection are keys, so we’re thanking Greene Memorial Hospital for taking the lead to educate thousands of people about the importance of colonoscopy screenings. These efforts will save many lives from colorectal cancer.”

For more information about the campaign or colorectal cancer, visit www.greenehealth.org/colonoscopy.