Get Your Butt In Gear

GET YOUR BUTT IN GEAR

Written by Kaki Morrow, Senior Community Development Manager

If you’re 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are showing symtpoms of colorectal cancer, it’s time to get your butt in gear.

March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, this year more than 135,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 50,000 will die from the disease. In fact, colorectal cancer is the nation’s third leading cause of cancerrelated deaths for both men and women and the second leading cause of death when sexes are combined.

While a combination of earlier detection, changing patterns in risk factors, and better treatments have led to a 51 percent decline in colorectal cancer death over the past four decades, about 1 in 3 adults who fall within the recommended screening guidelines are still not being tested for colorectal cancer.

The good news? Screening can help find and prevent colorectal cancer. It is one of the most successfully treated cancers if detected early. The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancers caught in their earliest stage is around 90 percent.

Regular screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer. If polyps are found during screening, they can be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also catch colorectal cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable and curable.

Major strides have been made with screening rates in the United States, but we can do better. Members of The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, an organization cofounded by the American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have adopted a shared goal to increase the nation’s screening rate to at least 80% in every community.

Nonetheless, myths and excuses abound. Don’t let the myths and excuses stop you from making your health a priority! See common myths on the following page. Join the American Cancer Society in spreading the word this March and beyond. If you haven’t been tested, talk to your care provider. If you have been tested, talk to your family and friends. Make sure that you and your loved ones are equipped with the facts. Together, we can help reduce colorectal cases and colorectal cancer deaths.

Myth: A colonoscopy is the only reliable way to be screened for colorectal cancer.

Fact: A colonoscopy is considered standard for detecting cancer and precancerous polyps, there are several different tests that effectively screen for colon cancer, including stool tests, which can be done at home and sent to a lab. A study found that certain at-home tests are able to spot nearly 80 percent of colorectal cancers.

Myth: Getting screened for colorectal cancer is embarrassing and painful.

Fact: There are a number of different tests and screening methods for colorectal cancer, including simple, take-home options. Each have benefits and limitations. A discussion with your care provider can help determine which option is best for you.

Myth: I’m 36 years old, have no family history of colorectal cancer, but I am having symptoms. I should wait until I’m 45 to be screened.

Fact: While 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in adults ages 45 and older, if you have symptoms (bloody stools or rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss) you should discuss these with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Colorectal Cancer At-A-Glance:

Prevention

• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women.

• Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

• Even though the exact cause of most colorectal cancers are unknown, prevention and early detection are possible because most colorectal cancers develop from polyps.

• Risk may further be reduced by regular physical activity, getting to and staying at a healthy body weight, limiting intake of high saturatedfat foods – especially red meat and processed meats, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods.

Detection

• Colorectal cancers are more successfully treated when detected early.

• If you are 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should be screened for colorectal cancer.

Treatment

• Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer, usually cancer that has not spread.

• Chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus radiation is given before or after surgery for patients whose cancer has spread beyond the colon.

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Help and hope is available 24/7/365.

800.227.2345 | cancer.org

Want to join the fight against cancer? Get involved through one of these fun events!

Rocket City Best Fest // 06.08.19 // Big Spring Park Join the fun in our Inaugural Rocket City Best Fest. The June 8th festival will kick off summer with a sizzle. This outdoor event, hosted in Big Spring Park, will engage community members from all walks of life. Enjoy burger & beer tastings, live entertainment, family fun, kid-friendly activities, and more. Belles & Beaus Ball // 08.24.19 // VBC

Join the fun at the Belles & Beaus Ball on August 24, 2019 from 5:30 – 11:00pm at the VBC North Hall for a one-of-a-kind evening featuring great food, dancing, live entertainment, spectacular auctions, and much more.

Real Men Wear Pink // September & October Real Men Wear Pink is an executivelevel campaign in which men from the Tennessee Valley are hand-selected to wear pink while raising funds & awareness for breast cancer research.

Go Show // 09.14.19 // Huntsville International Airport Attendees of all ages can sit, stand and get behind the wheels of several giant trucks, large vehicles, construction equipment, and more at this inaugural event supporting the fight against childhood cancer. Along with fire trucks, military vehicles, combines and unusual trucks, a variety of other family-friendly activities will be featured. This event is FREE to the public.

Golf for Life // 10.14.19 // The Ledges The 34th Annual Golf for Life Tournament is a well-supported community event. This event will offer the best in customer and client entertainment, exclusive club play, unparalleled hospitality, a wonderful lunch, outstanding silent auction items, and an awards reception.

For more information on how to become involved in these events, please contact kaki.morrow@cancer.org or call 256-536-1863.