http://crcawareness.com/crc_getscreened.asp

Click on the link above to visit the Colorectal Cancer Awareness main page~

This story comes from Shelly Valderrama.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 150,000 Americans are

diagnosed with colon cancer each year, and an estimated 50,000 die from it.

But this doesn’t have to be the case.

Colon Cancer Facts
 *   Starting at age 50, men and women should be screened regularly for colon 
cancer. Screening tests are not painful, and are often covered by Medicare and 
health insurance.

 *   Regular screening tests can detect pre-cancerous polyps. Removal of these 
polyps can prevent cancer from developing.

 *   When detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.

 *   If you have symptoms at any age, it is important to get screened.

 *   Colonoscopy is one of the most effective

screening methods<http://crcawareness.com/crc_getscreened.asp> 
for finding and removing colon polyps—preventing colon cancer before it starts.

Screening Saves Lives

Screening saves lives by preventing cancer through detection and removal of 
pre-cancerous polyps, and by detecting cancer in its earliest, most curable 
stages. 30,000 lives a year could be saved if everyone over 50 or at risk got 
screened for colon cancer.

Another quick video where Stickman gets the facts!
Thanks to everyone who participated in National Dress in Blue Day for Colon 
Cancer Awareness on Friday!  It is great seeing those blue ribbons!

Don’t Put Off Your Health

It's too personal to talk about.
I don't understand how the test works.
I'll get tested if I start feeling bad.
I'm scared they'll find something.
I'm not old enough to get colon cancer.

These are some of the things people tell themselves to avoid getting screened for colon cancer.

But if you're 50 years or older, have a family history, or experience symptoms at any age, you should be screened.

Who's at Risk

Colon cancer can affect anyone—both men and women—and risk increases with age. Some people are at greater risk than others. Some risk factors include:

Being age 50 or older
Personal or family history of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's Disease
Personal or family history of colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, breast or other cancers of the GI tract or the female reproductive system
Being of African-American or Hispanic descent—these groups are often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease
Experiencing symptoms, as described below
Lifestyle Choices*
Additionally, certain lifestyle choices can lead to an increased risk of developing
colon cancer:
- Diet*
  A diet high in fat can substantially increase the risk for colon cancer—whereas a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce risk.
- Inactivity*
  Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle, as well as obesity, can increase the risk of colon cancer
- Smoking and Alcohol Use*
  Smokers have a 30-40% higher risk of developing colon cancer than non-smokers. Alcohol use in excess can also be a contributor.
  
  What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
  The most common symptom of colon cancer is having no symptom at all, which is why regular screening is critical.
  If you experience any of the following symptoms, speak to your doctor about scheduling a screening, especially if you have a personal or family history of cancer or colon polyps:
- A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Cramping or stomach pain
- Feeling bloated or full in the stomach
- Gas pains
- Weakness and fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Losing weight when you are not trying to
The symptoms of colon cancer may resemble other conditions like infections,
hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease, so talk to your doctor
if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
- Screen for Life
  The benefits of screening are well-documented and can be life-saving.
  - Colon cancer is one cancer that’s 90% preventable with early and regular screening.*
  - Screening can stop cancer before it starts by catching polyps before they become cancerous.
  - When caught early, colon cancer is more easily treated and can be cured.
  Make regular screening part of a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about getting screened for colon cancer.
  Make a Plan for Colon Health
  Starting at age 50, make a plan to get screened using one of the following methods:
  - Every 10 years: Have a colonoscopy, and have all non-cancerous polyps removed
    
    Or
  - Every 5 years: Have a sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema or CT colonography
    
    Or
  - Every year: Have a fecal occult blood test
  No matter how old you are, see a doctor for a colonoscopy immediately
  if you are experiencing symptoms.
  If you have a personal or family history of cancer, colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, breast, uterine, endometrial cancer, or some other cancers of the GI tract or female reproductive system, talk to your doctor about early screening. More frequent testing may be appropriate.
  
  Talking to Your Doctor about Screening is Easier than You Think
  Starting a conversation with your doctor about colon cancer screening may sound uncomfortable, but it’s a conversation that can save your life.
  Click here for a list of questions you can print and take with you when you see your physician.
  Remember that colon cancer is preventable and easy to treat when detected early. So talk with your healthcare provider about what kind of screening is right for you.
  
  Find a Doctor
  To locate a physician in your area, click on any of the links below:
  American Gastroenterological Association
  
  American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons
  
  American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  
  AmSurg
  
  The American College of Gastroenterology
  
  Stop Colon Cancer Now