Funds Raised: over $120,000
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Screening could be done by a colonoscopy, fecal blood test, contrast x-ray of the colon. The best screening is done by a colonoscopy. This painless procedure looks for polyps within the lining of your colon. The procedure most times can be done on an outpatient basis. The doctor may require you to do a bowel prep the day before, which can be done at home. The day of the procedure you will be given a mild sedative to relax you during the procedure. During the procedure a thin catheter type scope is inserted into the anus and is guided through the colon looking for abnormalities. If anything abnormal is seen a biopsy will occur. The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Not a lot time spent to save your life.
Typically doctors recommend this for people 50 and older. Our Foundation suggests that a person at any age get a screening if any of these symptoms are occurring. Symptoms:
* bleeding from the rectum, or within stools
* change in bowel pattern
* narrow stools
* bloating, fullness, stomach discomfort
* frequent gas pains
* weight loss for no reason
* fatigue
* vomiting
* diarrhea, constipation, or feeling of bowel not being emptied
What is a polyp?
A polyp is a growth that forms within the colon. It can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Most polyps are non-cancerous and can be removed by your doctor. If undetected, the polyp can grow into the colon tissue and infecting the bowel wall, and thus turning into Cancer.
What can you do to prevent Colorectal Cancer?
* Get screened early if you have the symptoms above
* Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise
* Add fiber to your daily diet
* Lower the amount of fat in your diet
* Limit alcohol and tobacco use