Get checked, not knowing is worse than finding out you're Ok, trust me on this one. Due to a family history, I just got the good word for the 6th time in 8 years. Sure the prep sucks, but people's fears about the procedure are completely off base.
I am a real wuss when it comes to pain and/or hospitals, and your colonscopy will not cause pain or discomfort. Instead it provides peace of mind.
Visit this web site for more info on Colon Cancer:
Colon Cancer Alliance
Here's a message for those of you in PA:
State Doctors and American Cancer Society Partner to Fight Colon Cancer
When it comes to fighting cancer, most Pennsylvanians know the importance of age-appropriate screenings, according to The Patient Poll conducted in January 2009 by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Furthermore, many recognize the important role of a colonoscopy.
Yet, colorectal cancer screening rates in Pennsylvania are lower than most other states in the nation, while the incidence and mortality rates for colon cancer in Pennsylvania are higher than the national average. In fact, this year alone nearly 2,500 Pennsylvanians will die from colorectal cancer.
As such, the Pennsylvania Division of the American Cancer Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society are joining forces to improve these statistics.
“When colorectal cancers are detected early, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent,” said Dr. Enrique Hernandez, President, American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division. “But only 39 percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this stage, primarily due to low screening rates.”
While a significant part of the campaign to improve colon cancer statistics is directed towards the public, the partnership with the Pennsylvania Medical Society will tap the physician population to educate their patients about the importance of colon cancer screenings.
“Increasing patient awareness of colorectal cancer screenings is of great importance,” said Daniel J. Glunk, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. “As part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re asking all of our physician members to talk to every patient over 50 years of age about the need for a screening.”
Peter S. Lund, MD, founder of the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society, adds, “As a whole, every day Pennsylvania physicians see thousands of patients. It makes sense to reach out to the public through physicians to improve screening rates.”
To assist physicians, the American Cancer Society has created various resources, both in English and Spanish. The Pennsylvania Medical Society will reach out to its members through member newsletters and meetings about these resources from the American Cancer Society. These resources are available at www.cancer.org/colonpa.
The campaign runs throughout March and April, and is part of an ongoing partnership between the American Cancer Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
AND IF YOU ARE 50 OR OLDER...GET CHECKED!!!