Get Real About Colorectal Cancer
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
So, just out of curiosity, how many of you have really stopped and thought about what that means? And I mean beyond something like “Yeah, cancer’s bad. And who wants cancer in their colon? I should do something about that …”
Well, folks, it’s time to REALLY do something about it.
Really doing something about colorectal cancer means, at age 50, you start getting screened regularly for the disease. And that’s for people at average risk. If you are at above-average risk, such as if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should talk to your doctor and see about getting screened even earlier.
Need help figuring out your risk? Here’s an online tool by the National Cancer Institute that can help.
Really doing something about colorectal cancer means knowing that most insurance plans, including Medicaid (thanks to ACA/Obamacare), pay for preventive screenings tests, like those that detect colorectal cancer. So don’t sweat it!
Really doing something about colorectal cancer means knowing there’s a choice of screening tests, from at-home tests to colonoscopies. Yearly at-home stool tests are just as good at finding colorectal cancer as a colonoscopy in people with average risk. You should know if your at-home test does find something, you will be required to have it confirmed by a colonoscopy, which is less likely to be covered by insurance. That’s because a second test if often not considered a screening, but rather a “diagnostic” test. However, if you are one of those people who really hate the idea of going to hospitals or want an inexpensive, private, or easy way to check for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about a FIT or FOBT.
Really doing something about it also means knowing that Louisiana has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the country. Why? For reasons we don’t totally understand, African Americans and Cajuns are more likely to get the disease. Plus we have lifestyle factors like eating processed meats, and high smoking and obesity rates, that make us more vulnerable.
So if you love this state and its people, and you really, really want to do something about colorectal cancer: 1) Don’t just talk, walk the walk, and get screened yourself when it comes time; and 2) Spread the word and make sure the people around you are getting screened starting at age 50. And don’t take any excuses.
Like this one: “But, I’m a woman.” We hear this one a lot in public health. Say “Nope, sorry. Women have colons too and that means you’re just as likely to get colorectal cancer as any man. Are you trying to tell me you don’t have bodily functions?!”
Speaking of uncomfortable, we know some people get embarrassed about talking about colons or colorectal cancer screening. (When we put up our walk-through, inflatable colon around the state, there’s always somebody who goes the other way.) And, of course, nobody likes to deal with anything that might have to do with poop! But it’s much more uncomfortable to have to be treated for days, or months, on end for the disease. So ask someone who’s worried about that “Do you, literally, want to die of embarrassment?”
For the people who are so busy taking care of other people, to take care of themselves, ask “What happens to those people you love if something happens to you? You can’t take care of anybody if you’re sick, or worse, dead.”
For the people who are fatalistic, or say “It’s God’s will,” please tell them “If you catch and stop colorectal cancer early, it’s 90% survivable! Even when it’s spread a bit, there’s still over a 70% chance someone can live!”
And for all those people who thought they couldn’t afford a test, tell them that most insurance covers it. If they need a way to get to the hospital for a colonoscopy, give them a ride there and take them home afterwards. If you’re an employer, give a person who works for you time off to get tested. Whatever it is and whatever you can do, do it. We can stop colorectal cancer. Really.