Relaxation and reflection are typically the hobbies associated with retirement, but for one local medical doctor, his post-professional life has been dedicated to advocacy.
Dr. Samuel Pace - a gastroenterologist and two-time colorectal cancer survivor - has spent his retirement lobbying for Medicare to expand its coverage for health care following a colorectal screening.
Pace and University of Mississippi Medical Center professor and Associate Director of Cancer Education Roy Duhe, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit with policymakers to get their message out.
“Currently, Medicare pays for colorectal cancer screening, but if any polyps are found, Medicare does not pay for having those removed,” Pace said. “This loophole is affecting patients by creating a barrier for those who can’t afford to pay the extra charges for biopsies and polyp removal. Our goal is to get a bill passed that would require Medicare to cover the added therapeutic expenses at times of colonoscopy.”
The gastroenterologist is also involved with 70x2020, a statewide effort to ensure that at least 70 percent of all Mississippians are up-to-date with colorectal screening recommendations by the year 2020. To work toward this goal and raise awareness for the issue, Pace was involved with creating a specialty colon cancer awareness car tag available in all counties.
Among other advocacy projects are public service announcements featuring former Mississippi State University and current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who lost his mother to colon cancer in 2013.
Pace then said he received positive feedback from those in Washington concerning the bill co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi.
“The disturbing thing we’re seeing is the increase of death rate of those under 50 for colorectal cancer, and one reason for that is the younger generation is not looking into their family’s health history,” Pace said. “We as physicians have got to emphasize to our patients the importance of knowing what diseases and cancers their parents and grandparents had because that changes the equation for screening guidelines.”
When looking for the signs associated with colorectal cancer, Pace said it's important to not dismiss symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so, dark stools or blood in the stool, cramping or abdominal pain, weakness and fatigue and unintended weight loss.
Also important for one’s eating habits as it relates to colorectal cancer is a proper diet. Pace said exercise and diet awareness are crucial, such as limiting red meats and avoiding excessive intake of processed meats. Fresh fruits, whole grains and fresh vegetables are also highly recommended.
The American Cancer Society says colon cancer in those over 50 has decreased by 30 percent in the last decade, which Pace pointed to as evidence that screenings can make a difference.
Pace attributes his own present well-being to his personal screening.
“I’m doing this because I’ve been given the opportunity. Screening is a critical component in preventing colon cancer deaths. However, ultimately it’s up to each individual to take charge of his or her health care and not assume everything is okay,” he said.