Port Charlotte hospital reinforces importance of getting tested for colorectal cancer

Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is working to get more people tested for colorectal cancer — the second leading cause of cancer related death in the United States when men and women are combined.

Jo Misheck is in her 80s and is just beginning her battle against colorectal cancer.

“Oh, my God. I welled up. I just never thought I would be a candidate,” she said.

Misheck said she was screened five years ago and doctors told her she would never have to be screened again. But she soon started having symptoms like abdominal pain and constipation.

“I can’t believe it. I just don’t know how this happens? What causes it?” she said.

Now, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is working to make sure 80 percent of adults over 50 years of age in the surrounding area get screened.

“The first question I would ask you is if there is any history in your family? Do you have any rectal bleeding? Any constipation?” Dr. Domingo Galliano said.

If hospitals can achieve an 80 percent screening rate by this year, more than 200,000 colorectal cancer deaths would be prevented by 2030, according to the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. 

Currently, the screening rate at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is at about 50 percent.

Why should younger generations get screened too?

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