Eric B. Chandler Health Center Patient Information

What is colorectal cancer?

• Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.

Why is it important to screen for colorectal cancer?

• Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.
• Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States.
• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
• Every year, more than 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a highly preventable disease and more than 50,200 will die from it.

The good news:

• Early detection can help save lives. Learn how:
• Screening saves lives because it can help catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
• If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.

The bad news:

• Nearly one-third of adults aged 50 to 75 aren't getting screened as recommended.

What can you do as a patient?

• Maintain a healthy weight and waist size.
• Get physical activity – exercise may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Eat healthy – eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are good sources of fiber. Eat less red meat and cut out processed meat
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman or two drinks per day if you’re a man.
• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, aim to quit. Smoking can put you at risk for many diseases, including colorectal cancer.
• Stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Get screened regularly according to guidelines starting at age 50 since there are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.
• Talk to your doctor if you are 50 and over to find out which colorectal cancer test you prefer. Use this tool to learn more.

Sources: https://preventcancer.org/ and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/index.htm

The Eric B. Chandler Health Center uses the Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Model of Care. This model of care embeds the Social Work Services department in the primary care team to help minimize stigma and address mental health, substance use, and health related social needs.

The health center completes screenings for depression, anxiety, substance use, and social determinants of health. The behavioral health clinicians conduct Screenings, Brief, Interventions, Referral and Linkage to Treatment (S.B.I.R.T.).

The community health workers provide assistance with prescription assistance programs, specialty appointments, transportation, and linkage to tangible community resources to address issues such as food insecurity, employment, affordable and stable housing, personal safety, and affordable utilities.

For the Social Work Services department, call 732-235-7296.

For Nutrition/Dietary Management, call 732-235-6700.

Language Interpreting

The Community Interpreter Project (CIP) represents the unique point in which three distinct communities come together: Rutgers students; Spanish speaking residents of New Brunswick; and doctors, nurses and medical students studying and working here in the Health Center.

Through internships, federal work study jobs and volunteer opportunities, students have the exciting opportunity to explore the emerging field of medical interpreting while developing solid job-related skills, such as professionalism, and enhancing their Spanish language skills and knowledge of medicine. Moreover, healthcare providers who partner with CIP interns can learn about issues such as cross-cultural communication, the Hispanic culture, and how to work with a trained interpreter.

Learn About the Project
A multi-language video remote interpreting service is available if an on-site interpreter is not available.

Hearing Impairment Services

For patients with hearing impairment sign language interpreter services are available.

Health care providers often prescribe diagnostic tests for patients to obtain information required to make more informed medical diagnoses or to determine abnormal blood levels. A doctor will interpret your laboratory test results and provide you with medical advice, diagnosis and recommended treatment.

Laboratory services are performed on the following days:

• Monday–Friday: 8:15 a.m.–4 p.m.

Healthcare services you may need that are not offered at Eric B. Chandler Health Center will be evaluated and discussed within you and your insurance carrier. If approved, a doctor will authorize referrals.