Colon cancer…that’s an “elderly cancer,” right? Not exactly anymore! Matter of fact, if you were born after 1990, you have 2x the risk of developing colon cancer than those born in 1950.
The Under 50 Crowd
1 in 10 people diagnosed is actually under the age of 50. Take, for example:
● My late husband, diagnosed at age 42
● Board member Judy’s husband, diagnosed at age 48, and his sister at age 39
● Relay for Life attendee Dana, diagnosed at age 45
● Friend Denise, diagnosed at age 42
Preventable, Treatable, Beatable
The good news is that this cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. You can:
● Listen to your body and tell your doctor when something’s not right.
● Be aware of your family history.
● Maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
● Eat lots of fruit and non-starchy veggies, fish, white meat, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
● Be active.
Wear Blue
Join me and wear blue on March 5th and all month long in honor of those that have fought and will fight this disease, a disease that is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined.
Help Make a Difference in Screening
Screenings have come a long way. No longer is a colonoscopy the only way to be screened. And now you might even look to be part of a study on new screenings. Visit https://www.ccalliance.org/patient-family-support/preempt-crc-study to see how you might help.
And for more on colon/colorectal cancer, visit:
https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/special-coverage/how-acs-fights-colon-cancer.html