FRANKLIN – If everyone aged 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a great time to start caring about your colon too! Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer, and often there are no signs or symptoms. Here are a few good ways to reduce your risk, what exactly they do during those tests, and how to talk with loved ones about getting screened from the American Cancer Society and Healthfinder.gov.
• The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. Because often there are no signs or symptoms it’s important to get screened so if there’s a problem you can treat it early when it will be easier.
• If you smoke, quit! Smoking increases your risk for a whole bunch of bad stuff, including colorectal cancer. Even secondhand smoke increases the risk for those around you. Try www.quitnownh.org for free resources and support.
• Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Diets that include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon cancer. Eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colon cancer.
• Get regular exercise. If you are not physically active, you have a greater chance of developing colon cancer. Increasing your activity may help reduce your risk.
• Encourage your family members and friends over age 50 to get screened.
So what do they do at those screenings anyway? There are three different screenings you can get; Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Stool Testing.
• A colonoscopy lets the doctor look inside your rectum and colon to check for cancer or polyps (growths that can turn into cancer). To do a colonoscopy, the doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into your anus. The test is done at a hospital or clinic. If the result is normal, you can wait 10 years before getting tested again. If polyps are found during the test, the doctor can usually remove them, but you might need another colonoscopy in 3 to 5 years.
• A Flexible sigmoidoscopy lets the doctor look inside the rectum and lower part of the colon to check for cancer or polyps (growths that can turn into cancer). To do one, the doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into your anus. This test is like a colonoscopy, but it only looks at part of your colon and has a smaller risk of complications. If the result is normal, you can wait 5 years before getting tested again — or 10 years if you get this test combined with the stool test. If the result isn’t normal, you’ll need a follow-up colonoscopy to find out why.
• A Stool test looks at your stool (poop) instead of looking directly at your colon. For these tests, you use a special kit to collect a small amount of your stool at home and return it to your doctor or a lab. If the result is normal, you can wait 1 year before taking the test again. If the result isn’t normal, you’ll need a follow-up colonoscopy to find out why.
Now that you know the ins and outs of testing, how can you talk with a loved one to encourage them to get screened?
• Start by saying, “I care about you. I want you to get tested so you can live a long and healthy life, without worrying about colorectal cancer.”
• Explain the reasons for getting tested that were in the beginning of the article, or pass a copy of this article on to them to read.
• Offer support. Ask what part of the test they are worried about, offer to go with them for support or to drive them, or ask what you can do to make it easier for them to get tested.
• If you are age 50 to 75, set the example – get tested for colorectal cancer and share your experience.
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