Ken had been having problems with his stomach. He just celebrated his 40th birthday, and thought it might be time to check in with his doctor. While Ken didn’t really think much about finding a little bit of blood in his stool, his doctor thought it would be best for Ken to have a colonoscopy.
What they found changed Ken’s life forever. He was stunned to learn he already had stage three colon cancer. Ken instantly reflected on how his symptoms progressed and wondered how his cancer could have gone unnoticed until it was almost too late.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, survival rates are going up due to early detection. Colorectal cancer can often be treated successfully if detected early. Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but it is important to remember that 9 out of 10 cases occur in adults over age 50. Many health experts recommend that people begin screening every year, beginning at age 50. Regular screenings are also recommended for people with a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, and for anyone with inflammatory bowel disease.
Talk to your doctor about which screening tests to take.
Screening tests include:
*Fecal occult blood test
*Flexible sigmoidoscopy
*Colonoscopy
*Double contrast barium enema
Free screening kits are available through Sept. 28 by calling (417) 621.3003 or (800) 242-6566
The free colorectal cancer screening program is made possible with funding from the Joplin Rotary Club and the St. John’s Auxiliary.
Prevention strategies
Early detection is important, but research also suggests that 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be prevented. The following lifestyle strategies can lower your risk for developing colon cancer.
*Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds around the waist are especially risky.
*Limit your intake of red meat, particularly fatty or processed varieties.
*Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other plant foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals. Many of these foods contain substances that fight off cancer.
*Take a vitamin that contains folic acid. Long-term use may decrease colon cancer risk by 75 percent. Foods rich in folate, such as oranges and leafy green vegetables, also offer protection.
*Exercise regularly — it can cut the risk of colon cancer in half.
*Get adequate calcium from foods or a supplement. Consumption of about 700 to 800 milligrams of calcium a day reduced the risk of one type of colon cancer by 40 to 50 percent.
*Don’t smoke.
*Avoid or limit alcohol.
Warning signs
Typically, colon cancer does not produce any symptoms. That’s why regular screenings are recommended for people over 50 or with certain risk factors. Sometimes symptoms may occur, including:
*Persistent diarrhea
*Constipation
*Narrow stools or blood in your stool.
*Weight loss with no obvious cause.
*Abdominal gas, bloating, or cramps.
*Constant fatigue.
*Vomiting.
Talk to your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms, which may be the result of other conditions.
To learn more about St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation or its programs, call (417) 625-2266 or visit www.stj.com.
Miranda Lewis is the media promotions coordinator for St. John’s Regional Medical Center.
