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TJ Health note: March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Abnormal growths, called polyps, may form in the colon or rectum, and over time, some polyps may turn into cancer.

What Are the Symptoms? If you have symptoms such as blood in or on the stool, stomach pain that doesn't go away, or unexplained weight loss, it is strongly recommended that you schedule a visit to see your doctor.



However, many people do not experience any of those symptoms, especially early on. Because there aren't always noticeable symptoms, it's very possible that someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer without knowing it.

Who Gets Colorectal Cancer?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for men and women combined. Every year, about 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 people die as a result of the disease. Unfortunately, Kentucky has the highest rate of colorectal cancer in the nation according to the Kentucky State Cancer Registry.

Risk Factors

You may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer if:

You or a close relative has had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or

You have inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.

Preventive Screening Save Lives

The Kentucky Cancer Registry reports that colorectal cancer incidents and deaths are increasing in the state, and that only about one-third of the eligible population has been screened. Regular screenings, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. If you are ages 50-75 years old, you should get screened regularly for colorectal cancer to reduce your risk. If you are younger than 50 and have increased risk factors as described above, or if you are older than 75, ask your doctor if you should be screened.

Not all screenings are invasive

The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is an annual exam that uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. Using a kit obtained from your health care provider, you collect a small stool sample in the privacy of your own home, then simply follow the instructions provided to return the test kit to the doctor or lab. The stool sample is then checked for the presence of blood, and a report is sent to both you and your healthcare provider.

The FIT-DNA Test combines the FIT described above with another test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you will receive a kit in the mail that allows you to collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, also from the comfort of your home. This test is generally done every three years, rather than annually.

A Colonoscopy is one of the best ways to help detect or prevent colorectal cancer. It is a more invasive exam, performed in a hospital setting, where the doctor uses a lighted tube inserted into your rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find and remove polyps and some cancers. This test is repeated every 10 years unless there is a clinical reason to do it more frequently. Many people who should have a colonoscopy avoid the procedure because of the preparation required. Keep in mind that while the prep is less than fun, it can absolutely help to save your life!

Free or Low-Cost Screening

When done as a preventive examination, the colorectal cancer screening tests may be covered by your health insurance policy without a deductible or co-pay. Please be sure to check with your insurance company to verify coverage.

The Bottom Line

Screening truly does save lives. If you are 50 or older and haven't yet been screened, there's no need to put it off any longer. You are encouraged to take charge of your health to help prevent colorectal cancer.

Spread the Word

Show your support and help increase understanding and awareness of colorectal cancer! Visit the T.J. Health Pavilion on Wednesday, March 4th to walk through a giant inflatable colon. It's an informative and educational experience you won't soon forget! In addition, you can help spread the word wearing a blue ribbon during the month of March and by participating in National Dress In Blue Day on Friday, March 6, 2020.


This story was posted on 2020-02-28 07:01:50
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