UMass Memorial Health

In the United States, colorectal cancer in both men and women is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It may present with symptoms such as: change in bowel habits or stool caliber, bleeding or blood in the stools, abdominal pain/bloating, nausea/vomiting, weight loss, fatigue or anemia. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should discuss these with your doctor, no matter what your age. Colorectal cancer can also present when patients have no symptoms at all and why screening, or testing done to help prevent or detect colon cancer, is so important. While overall cases of colorectal cancer are declining, the incidence in people under the age of 50 is increasing. This is an area of active research looking at genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that may be influencing this shift. Genetics can play an important role in colorectal cancer development, so knowing your family history is important. Polyps are pre-cancerous growths that, if removed, can prevent colon cancer. #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth

One week away! Don't miss our Virtual Tuesday Hiring Event for Technicians and Technologists! Join us on Tuesday, March 11 from noon to 5 pm to connect with our UMass Memorial Health Talent Acquisition team and learn more about all career opportunities with us. Interested? Save your spot today and register here: https://bit.ly/41Gc9Ac

Did you know... happy and engaged caregivers provide safer and more exceptional patient experiences? That was one of the #1 takeaways this group walked away with after a recent productive and enthusiastic Press Ganey Employee Experience Certificate Program. These eager learners — from across all the UMass Memorial Health entities — spent time discussing the three key drivers of caregiver engagement and retention: connection to work, leadership behaviors, and the organization's commitment to safety. A special thanks to Martin Wright, Brad Pollins BA, MS, SPHR, FSE, MBE and Ashley Benda from Press Ganey who ran the program, as well as UMass Memorial's Matthew Boczanowski, MPA who organized the event. Now, tell us about a recent work training session you took part in and your biggest takeaway.

By definition, empathy is a trait that most caregivers share. It certainly fits Betty Watari, a mammographer who works at the Leominster and Fitchburg campuses of UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital. Betty’s dedication to improving women’s health and making her patients feel comfortable is her priority. “I treat everyone like they belong to my family – like I would love my mom, my sister or my aunts to be treated,” she said. “How I would want to be taken care of is how I will care for you.” Betty started her radiology career about 21 years ago doing X-rays. In 2017, she began focusing on mammography, which aligns with her passion for women’s health. She recognizes that many patients dread the procedure, and she strives to make it as painless as possible. Part of that commitment stems from the fact that Betty’s first mammogram was incredibly painful, and she didn’t connect with the technologist. That experience instilled in her “what not to do.” She explained that compression is a key part of the procedure. It spreads the breast tissue and keeps the breast from moving, reducing blurriness in the images as well as the amount of radiation needed to penetrate the tissue. “However, compression can be painful. As technologists, we can give patients the priceless gift of gentleness, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable,” she said. #EveryoneEverydayRelentlessly

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Attend this event to gain insights into the latest advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of colon and rectal cancers. Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, researcher, or advocate, this program offers a learning experience aimed at advancing the fight against colon and rectal cancer.

For over two years, we've been celebrating countless caregivers across the UMass Memorial Health (UMMH) system in our ongoing #MyUMassMemorialMark series! They are relentless, hardworking, memorable and compassionate. Who would YOU like to see featured next? In the comments, tag a UMMH caregiver you know, admire, and who deserves a well-deserved moment in the spotlight! 

Join an upcoming UMass Memorial Health hiring event! Meet with our Talent Acquisition team, explore exciting new opportunities, and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in health care. Check out all upcoming hiring events here:

Did you know... - March is #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth? - Our experts deliver leading therapies that are gentler on your body and help you live an excellent quality of life? - Our team uses leading methods to detect and treat colorectal cancer? - UMass Memorial's experience caring for a high volume of patients leads to an outstanding level of expertise and exceptional outcomes? Learn all about UMass Memorial's Colorectal Cancer Services now: https://bit.ly/4blCtCU

Worcester Telegram & Gazette Holdings Inc offers a look back to COVID-19, 5 years later... Seen below, Dr. Evan Bradley — an emergency physician at UMass Memorial Health — performing a COVID nose swab test. (📸: Rick Cinclair) See more snapshots now:

Dr. Ellen Gallant climbed to the summit of Mount Everest on May 23, 2017. Learn more about Dr. Gallant's awe-inspiring adventures and make sure to click through the amazing photos.