Mission Hope Cancer Center Hosting a Free Community Presentation for Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Download Event Flier

SANTA MARIA, CA – April 13, 2022 – To recognize April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria is hosting a free educational seminar to discuss the latest advances in diagnosis and treatments of the esophagus, upper gastrointestinal tract, colon, liver, bile duct system, and pancreas. The free event will feature guest speaker and gastroenterologist Keval Shah, DO, and will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 5:00pm.

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the esophagus—the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Worldwide it is the eighth most common cancer, frequently seen in East Asia. Smoking is a risk factor and likely accounts for the high incidence in China and certain populations in the United States. Other factors include excessive alcohol consumption, chronic acid reflux disease, obesity, and diets high in processed meats and low in vegetables. Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn, regurgitation) is very common, and can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. 

Early detection has proven difficult. There are a few common symptoms to watch out for and certain situations where screening is advised. Join Dr. Shah as he discusses strategies you can use to reduce your risk of this cancer and shares important updates in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.  Session includes a question and answer period. 

Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling (805) 219-HOPE.

###

About Marian Regional Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 191-bed medical center located in Santa Maria, California. The modern facility is home to a broad array of services including a level III trauma center, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally recognized cardiac care center, and boasts the Central Coast’s only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program as recognized by the Commission on Cancer. Marian has been recognized for quality and patient safety and named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades®.

Marian Regional Medical Center together with Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, and French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, comprise Dignity Health Central Coast, a network of hospitals, physicians, and outpatient services including physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers, and a full service home health agency. 

About Mission Hope Cancer Center

Mission Hope Cancer Center, located on the Marian Regional Medical Center campus, is the region’s only advanced comprehensive cancer care center. Highly specialized physicians, oncology nurses and therapists provide integrated oncology care to the Central Coast. Mission Hope features the most advanced technology and provides the entire spectrum of cancer care and a multitude of support services and therapies. This state-of-the-art facility unites Santa Maria oncology treatment, imaging, research, education, and outreach services at one location. It is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and received seven commendations. The Marian Cancer Care Program at Mission Hope Cancer Center is a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award, which is the highest designation awarded to community cancer centers and Marian is one of only three designated programs between San Francisco and Los Angeles.