Wellness - Cancer Risk and Prevention
CRC Program

Colon Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program
Making a Difference through education and screening

The Cancer Center’s Colon Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program is made possible through the Scott D. Smith Memorial Fund graciously established by Elaine and Gene Smith and family. 

About Our Program

We know that colon cancer is most curable when it is detected early.  We also know that colon cancer is one of the most preventable kinds of cancer.  Research suggests that over half of all cases could be prevented by certain lifestyle changes and regular screening.  The Colon Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program was therefore developed to serve as a community-centered program dedicated to making a difference through education and screening.

Our services extend to all residents of Santa Barbara County with a primary focus of identifying and providing services to those individuals who are at the greatest risk for colon cancer due to their personal and/or family history.

Program Staff

Frederic C. Kass, MD, Medical Oncologist and Program Director
Christine Pickett, MS, RD, Wellness Manager
Lisa Hashbarger, Health Education Coordinator
Jeffery N. Weitzel, MD, Director of the City of Hope’s Cancer Screening and Prevention Program Network ^TM
Deborah MacDonald, RN, MS, APNG, Assistant Director of the City of Hope’s Cancer Screening and Prevention Program Network ^TM and Cancer Risk Counselor
Annette Aguirre, Administrative Assistant

Program Components

The following services are offered through our program:

Screening

You’re age 50 or older and feel just fine…

This is the best time to think about colon cancer screening.  Colon cancer is an equal opportunity disease that affects women and men, most often after age 50, and without symptoms.

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get screened on a regular basis.

At the Cancer Center, we can help individuals take the first step towards prevention by providing fecal occult blood test (FOBT) take-home screening kits and additional screening resources as needed.

Hereditary Cancer Risk Counseling

A family history of colon cancer can increase one’s risk of developing the disease.

Hereditary risk counseling, provided by a Cancer Risk Counselor, is available locally through our affiliation with the City of Hope’s Cancer Screening and Prevention Program Network ^TM.  Please visit our hereditary counseling page.

Individuals considered for hereditary cancer risk counseling are those with a personal history of colon cancer and/or who come from families in which one or more relatives have been affected by the disease.

Community Education and Outreach

Would you like your co-workers and/or neighbors to know more about how to prevent colon cancer?

Offered throughout the year, we sponsor a variety of colon cancer screening events and related programs in Santa Barbara County.  Our staff can also come to your office or community function to speak about the importance of screening and other prevention strategies.

Health Promotion Classes

There is convincing evidence that healthy eating, exercise and other lifestyle choices may significantly reduce the risk for colon cancer.

The Cancer Center’s Health Educator can provide individuals with the information and resources they need to help reduce their risk of colon cancer.  For details about upcoming classes and programs, contact Lisa Hashbarger at (805) 569-2243.

On-line Colon Cancer Risk Survey

Take a few minutes to answer some questions.  Find out how to lower your risk and where to focus your prevention efforts.

The Cancer Center’s Colon Cancer Risk Survey merely estimates an individual’s risk of cancer.  It does not determine if an individual will get cancer or not nor is it meant to take the place of open discussions with healthcare providers.  Once the survey is submitted, our staff will assess the responses given and provide individuals with personalized tips for prevention.  Although anyone can complete our on-line colon cancer risk survey, it's most accurate for people age 50 and over. Click here for our risk survey.