Falling Like Dominos

Some things don’t have to be, like the high death rates associated with colon cancer.  The colon cancer cure rate is 90% when symptoms are detected early. The staggering colon cancer rates suggest that many people, especially young women, are falling like dominos.

I didn’t want to overlook an opportunity to focus on colon cancer. In addition to National Nutrition Awareness Month, March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 90,00 new cases this year. There is still a need to highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms and screening.

Statistics:

• Colorectal cancer kills more people each year than either breast or prostate cancer.
• Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. & 3rd most common cancer.
• Without particular risk factors, you have a one in 7 chance of developing colon cancer at some point.
• Studies have shown that colonoscopy detects and removes 98% of colorectal tumors.
• When it comes to colon cancer, early detection does save lives.

Who Gets Colon Cancer?

• Men have a slightly higher risk of getting colon cancer than women.
• Among ethnic groups, African Americans tend to have an elevated risk.
• People with a family history have elevated risk

Symptoms:
– Blood in the stool
– Abdominal pain
– Diarrhea
– Excessive flatulence
– Changes in bowel habits and size of stool
– Weakness or fatigue
– Rectal bleeding
– Unexplained weight loss

When Should One Have First Colonoscopy?
– Everyone by the age of 50 unless there is a family history of colon disease
– African American by the age of 45
– Family history of colon cancer? Get your first screening before the
age your family member was diagnosed.

What happens during a Colonoscopy?
You will receive liquid laxative prep instructions to clean your colon the day before the procedure. This may involve drinking lots of water and some not-so-great-tasting liquids. Do you recall that medication, a short-acting drug for inducing sedation, that was overprescribed and given to Michael Jackson? You won’t remember anything about the colonoscopy. The sedating medication will completely knock you out. I know I didn’t remember anything after my procedure—kind of scary!

The whole idea behind a colonoscopy is not to detect cancer but to remove the polyps or growths that could turn into the disease. Typically, it takes years, even decades, for colon cancer to develop.

Six ways to keep your colon safe:

1.  Load up on produce.  Especially artichokes, apples, and pears,
which are rich in gut-protective fiber.  Studies show that high fruit
and veggie intake reduces colon cancer risk.  Make them half your
meal.
2. Limit red meat. It can raise colon cancer risk by at least 30 percent if
eaten daily.
3.  Spice it Up!  Specifically, churchmen are an active ingredient in
turmeric (found in many curries).  Research shows it might
prevent or slow the growth of malignancies
4. Don’t skimp on dairy.  Both calcium and vitamin D-especially when
eaten together — seem to have colorectal cancer-fighting powers.
Opt for low-fat milk, almond milk, cheeses and yogurts.
5.  Don’t smoke. Those who do are 25 percent more likely to die of
colorectal cancer than those who never smoked.
6.  Limit alcohol. One to three daily drinks of any kind are 21 percent
more vulnerable to the disease.

According to the latest issue of Women’s Health, colon cancer symptoms, which include gas problems and pencil-like stools, have started striking younger women. If the trend continues, by 2020, the incidence among females ages 20 to 34 will be up 37 percent.

Don’t let hit-or-miss nutrition, lack of exercise, and stress rob your gut of the consistent fuel it needs to stay strong. Ladies, especially my young readers, colon cancer is not just an old person’s disease. We know everything is not black and white. Don’t become a statistic by falling like dominos. Schedule a check-up today if you know any of the symptoms!

Have a wonderful week!