MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
What You Can Do to Prevent Colon Cancer? Plenty!
If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, and the second leading cause of death from cancers in both men and women.
The good news? Colon cancer is preventable if pre-cancerous polyps are found early and removed. But like other forms of cancer, colon cancer can be deadly if it isn't detected until the later stages. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened. You may also be at higher risk if you smoke, or have a family history of colon cancer.
Take an aggressive approach to combating colon cancer. Have a screening at around age 50, and get a colonoscopy, then follow healthy habits that can help decrease your risk of getting it in the first place. Don’t ignore symptoms like bright red, black, or very dark blood in your stool, a change in your bowel movements or in the shape of the stool, discomfort when having a bowel movement, cramping in your lower abdomen, frequent gas pains, losing weight without dieting, and constant fatigue.
Take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer: Get plenty of physical activity and eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables. Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
Being far from friends and family is usually felt the most when someone becomes ill, especially with a serious disease like colon cancer. If you live too far away from those that can provide hands-on help, remember Visiting Angels is only a phone call away. If you are an adult child, don’t feel frustrated, there are meaningful types of care you can still provide. You can work on staying connected through phone, email, text, and visit when you can. You might not be there to drive back and forth to treatments, but there are ways to be part of the caregiving team. Our CNAs and HHAs can handle any special needs that are part of the daily routine, assist with meals and medication reminders, as well as transportation and light housekeeping. We’ll help you locate resources, and provide peace of mind.
Till next time!
Irv Seldin, JD., Owner and CEO of Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*Article not intended as medical advice.