I'm late with my annual reminder but plead the following excuse. The flood hit the research station and we had 3 buildings with water up to the windowsills and two barns with up to a foot of water in them and we have been cleaning out all week. Could be worse. There are many here that lost everything.
That said for you newer guys on here who haven't heard this before...
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
The Average Lifetime Risk for Men = 1 in 23.
The second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the U.S.
Rates for people aged 55 or over dropped by 3.6% each year from 2007-2016 but rates for people under 55 increased 2% each year.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and recommends people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45. In the most recent guideline update, ACS lowered the age to start screening because studies show rates of colorectal cancer among people younger than 50 are on the rise. ACS experts have determined that screening starting at 45 could help save more lives.
Screening recommendations for those at average risk for colorectal cancer
- People at average risk should start regular screening at age 45. It used to be 50.
- People who are in good health and expected to live at least more 10 years should continue regular screening through the age of 75.
Screening for people at higher risk for colorectal cancer
People at higher risk for colorectal cancer may need to start screening before age 45. They may also need to be screened more often or get specific tests. People at higher risk are those with
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A family history of a hereditary syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
- A history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvis to treat a prior cancer
There are several test options for colorectal cancer screening so talk to your health care provider about what test is best for you. There are some differences among the tests, but the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose.
A few years ago, I went for my "Happy 50th Birthday Colonoscopy" not expecting any issues and woke up to the MD talking to SWMBO about "a large tumor" and "further testing". After having 1/3 of my colon removed I have been doing great. I didn't have any symptoms other than being a little tired, but who isn't these days. If I hadn't had my screening I wouldn't be here today. Screening can save your life. It did mine.
Just got home from our "vacation".
