“2026 Seniors’ Joy Program (Phase 2)” — Seventh Activity Brief

By Jennifer Zhang

On Saturday, May 16, the sky was filled with continuous drizzle, much like the plum rain season in southern China’s Jiangnan region. The rain alternated between heavy and light showers, falling steadily throughout the day. Despite the gloomy weather, the seniors remained enthusiastic and came to the activity center through the rain to participate in the eighth session of this season’s “Happy Seniors” program.

 This week, we were honored to invite Dr. Dawei Yang, a well-known gastroenterologist in the Greater Washington area, to deliver a health seminar titled “Colorectal Cancer Can Be Prevented.” Although colorectal cancer has a relatively high mortality rate, it is also one of the few cancers that can be effectively prevented through screening. In other words, with early detection and timely intervention, most cases can be successfully treated. Regular screening that enables “early detection and early prevention” is often far more effective than surgery, chemotherapy, or treatments at later stages. Drawing upon his extensive clinical experience and professional expertise, Dr. Yang explained in a clear and accessible way how scientific screening can effectively help prevent colorectal cancer.

During the lecture, Dr. Yang first explained that the vast majority of colorectal cancers originate from precancerous polyps. As long as these polyps are detected and removed through screening, the risk of developing cancer can be greatly reduced. He then went on to discuss in detail the recommended age groups for colorectal cancer screening and the reasons behind them, common symptoms of colorectal cancer, controllable and uncontrollable risk factors, and healthy lifestyle habits that may lower the risk of cancer. Next, Dr. Yang focused on the major colorectal cancer screening methods currently available, including stool-based tests, the Shield™ blood test, CT colonography, and colonoscopy, which is considered the “gold standard.” He carefully compared the advantages and disadvantages of these four screening methods, helping the seniors gain a more comprehensive and intuitive understanding of their differences. Finally, Dr. Yang emphasized once again that although the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, the disease can be effectively prevented through regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Yang’s carefully prepared PowerPoint presentation was vivid, informative, and easy to understand, making it very well received by the seniors. After the lecture, participants actively asked questions about issues that concerned them personally. Dr. Yang answered each question patiently and thoroughly, and his professional and precise advice greatly benefited everyone in attendance.

Afterward, the seniors enjoyed snacks and hot tea thoughtfully prepared by adult volunteers and CYOC youth. Following a short break, CACHS senior volunteer Wei Pan led the group in senior fitness exercises. After 30 minutes of exercise, many participants were lightly sweating and happily commented, “We feel so refreshed after the workout!”

Later, volunteers distributed fresh cucumbers provided by our community partner, So What Else. By participating in just one “Happy Seniors” event, attendees were able not only to learn valuable health knowledge and engage in physical exercise, but also to access a variety of community welfare resources. The seniors all expressed that they had gained a great deal from the event.

For the final entertainment session, community photography enthusiast Hong Sun gave hands-on instruction on how to send photos taken on smartphones to WeChat, create photo collages, and share them with friends or on social media. Through learning photography and smartphone skills, the seniors not only added more fun to their daily lives, but also enriched their cultural and spiritual well-being.

At the end of the event, the seniors left the activity center with a strong sense of fulfillment and joy, looking forward to seeing everyone again next Saturday!