By: Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais, Gift of Life Medical Director
When it comes to cancer detection, which is better – a symptom or a screening?
Hopefully, you said screening! Many people like to wait for symptoms before acting. But symptoms are not early signs. They’re serious indications that something could be wrong. Whenever possible, screenings are the better option.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and considering it is the second-deadliest cancer in the United States, increased awareness and advocacy are crucial.
Colorectal cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. As one of the few malignancies that can be detected before symptoms show up, much can be done to prevent cancer illness, metastasis, and death. That’s the lifesaving power of screenings!
Here are three more lifesaving truths about colorectal cancer
1. Colorectal Cancer is Highly Preventable
How, you ask? Education and healthy lifestyle choices!
With prevention as our priority and good information as our guide, we can confidently make educated decisions that will benefit us for a lifetime. This year, an estimated 154,270 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed. Yet far too many people remain unaware of the prevalence of this disease or what they can do to lower their risk.
For example, did you know that being physically active can reduce your risk by 25%? A diet high in fiber and low in fat is another phenomenal safeguard against colorectal cancer. We really are what we eat – and do! Now that we know better, let’s move and eat better!
2. Colorectal Cancer is Highly Detectable
How, you ask? Screenings!
Though stool evaluations can be helpful, early detection of colon cancer is ultimately possible because of colonoscopy screenings. Unfortunately, studies show that one-third of individuals with health insurance don’t get screened. That statistic only worsens in uninsured populations. I look forward to the day when more people have access to these lifesaving screenings.
Talk to your doctor about when you should be screened for colorectal cancer. Men under the age of 50 have the highest cancer-related death rate. So, screenings should begin at 45 for men and women of average risk. But some may need to start sooner. That’s why regular check-ups with a primary care physician are so important. Without them, we can’t have these critical conversations.
3. Colorectal Cancer is Highly Treatable
How, you ask? Ongoing advances in cancer treatment!
When caught early, colorectal cancer can be effectively addressed through a variety of treatment options – surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. The earlier it’s detected the more options and hope for a favorable prognosis! That’s why screenings are so important!
Best of all, through ongoing scientific research, new and better therapies are made possible every day! These advancements fill me with optimism! How about you?
Help us spread the word about colorectal cancer. And, most importantly, talk to your doctor about when a screening may be right for you.
