Healthy Habits: Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Getting screened for colon cancer may save your life. Despite its high incidence rate, colon cancer is unique in that it is one of the most preventable and, if found early, most treatable forms of cancer, according to the Colon Cancer Alliance, the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing colon cancer screening rates and survivorship. So, DON’T put off getting checked and DO get caught with your pants down!!!

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and to create awareness, support the efforts of the Colon Cancer Alliance and alert consumers of all ages, the RectiCare^® (Lidocaine 5%) Anorectal Cream brand from Ferndale Healthcare^®, Inc., has created a brochure titled “Colon Cancer Quick Facts.”  This brochure provides an easy-to-read summary of Signs, Symptoms and Screening information and statistics, which calls out the fact that one in 20 people, male and female, will develop colon cancer in their lifetime. The company hopes that raising awareness with a “quick read,” may help motivate women and men to get screened for this type of cancer. 

Available at over 2,500 colo-rectal surgeons’ offices, this brochure explains:

·         Everyone over the age of 50 should see a doctor for a regular screening; 45 if you are of African American descent.

·         If you have a family history of colon cancer or are experiencing symptoms, you should be screened regardless of age.

·         Symptoms include weight loss, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, persistent fatigue, or blood in your stool.

There are several different ways in which you can be screened and it is important to determine which procedure is best for you. For more information, please visit: www.ccalliance.org.