March Is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month
National Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Have you had your colon cancer screening?
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, if detected early. Since 2000, March has been recognized as the National Colon Cancer Awareness month. It’s a month during which patients, survivors, healthcare workers, and caregivers show their support of Colon Cancer Awareness by wearing blue ribbons and participating in many community events and outreach programs to help increase awareness and promote screening options.
Approximately 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50-75 are still not getting screenings as recommended. Having a colonoscopy at the age of 50, or earlier if you are having symptoms or have an increased risk of colon cancer, is highly recommended to prevent or detect cancer early. That is what this particular awareness month is all about: encouraging people to receive screenings.
Celebrities speak out about colon cancer
Heavy hitters in the news, fashion and entertainment are jumping on the bandwagon to spread the word during March. Actress Meryl Streep recently recorded a public service announcement urging viewers to learn about colon cancer and get screened for it. The announcement was produced in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control.
Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated actor/musician, Terrence Howard did the same, sharing his story of losing his mother to colon cancer and urging viewers to “let my heartbreak be your wake-up call.”
Celebrity fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo, who had colon cancer for two years before revealing his diagnosis, shared his story during New York Fashion Week 2005, and continues to advocate for screening.
After losing his father to colon cancer, Country singer Craig Campbell gave a free performance at New York’s Grand Central Station to help kick off March’s month-long campaign. His concert highlighted a day of free education about colon cancer and screening.
Sharon Osbourne, a colon cancer survivor, also advocates early screening. Osbourne, who had no warning signs or symptoms, credits her famous rocker husband Ozzie with insisting that she get screened.
Newswoman Katie Couric famously had herself filmed undergoing a colonoscopy that was broadcast on the Today Show, after losing her husband to cancer. Couric also co-founded Stand Up To Cancer and the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.
What is a colonoscopy screening?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables the doctor to see inside the rectum and the entire length of the colon, or large intestine. This is done by inserting a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a camera at the tip) inside the colon and advancing all the way to the end of the colon. The camera projects an image on to a TV screen and lets the doctor look for any polyps. Polyps are small growths inside the colon that can potentially become cancerous over time.
The procedure itself only takes about 30-45 minutes. Most patients will have sedation medications given to them to make them sleepy and unaware of the procedure at all. There is minimal discomfort afterward. Air, or sometimes carbon dioxide, is gently introduced through the scope to open up and expand the colon to allow the doctor to see everything clearly. It’s a fairly simple procedure and everyone should have the screening per their doctor’s recommendation. Be sure to ask your doctor this March if you’re due for your colonoscopy.
For more information on National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, visit the CDC website.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones. Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter.
BLOG Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen