Colorectal Cancer: The Most Preventable Cancer

Did you know that less that 50% of people who should be screened for colorectal cancer are getting an appropriate screening? Screening for colorectal cancer is actually something that could lead to PREVENTION of the disease.

Colonoscopy’s can help doctors find a possibly cancerous polyp BEFORE they turn into cancer.

Screening Facts:

• Everyone should be screened starting at age 50 (45 years old for African Americans) even if you don’t have symptoms. For those with a family history of cancer, talk with your doctor to see if you need to be screened sooner.
• Doing the prep before your colonoscopy is essential in having the procedure as accurate as possible.
• Choose a doctor who has a good reputation (i.e. they do a lot of colonoscopy’s and do them well!)
• Any screening is better than no screening!
• No screening can give you a 100% guarantee that you won’t get cancer.

Colon Cancer can happen at any age, so be sure that you know the symptoms.

Symptoms:

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Blood in the stool
• Weight loss for no reason
• Abdominal discomfort
• Prolonged diarrhea or constipation for no reason

Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Cancer:

Making healthy choices every day can improve your general health and may help reduce your risk of colon cancer.

1. Be physically active every day,
2. Limit red and processed meat to no more than 18 oz. per week,
3. Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all,
4. Consume 30 grams of fiber daily through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans.

How You Can Help!

Are you over 50? Do you know someone over 50? Are you African American and 45 years old or over? Do you know an African American who is 45 years old or older?

HELP THEM PREVENT COLON CANCER and remind them to get their screening colonoscopy!!

– Julie