2022 is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
- Dr. Godwin Ofikwu
- May 9, 2022
- 3 min read
In Dr. Godwin Ofikwu’s opinion, there are several methods to raise awareness about colon cancer. Making a movie or infographic on colon cancer is one simple method. You may also use social media to share your own tale. Colon cancer is a dangerous illness that may have life-threatening consequences. You may take action by being tested personally, in addition to raising awareness about colon cancer via the media. Colon cancer screenings are now covered by most health insurance providers.
Colorectal cancer is more frequent than most people realize. In fact, in both men and women, it is the second largest cause of cancer mortality. It is largely curable if caught early. Talk to your doctor about getting checked now. Knowing your family's risk factors is the first step toward colon cancer awareness. Many women will wait until they are in their late fifties or early sixties to be checked. Fortunately, most colon cancers are curable and easily treated when detected early.
Participating in activities like National Dress in Blue Day may also help raise awareness about colon cancer. If you can't locate an event to participate in, you may give to a colon cancer support group. Donations may take the form of products and services, as well as time. Your time is just as important as your money. Donations are a crucial element of raising awareness about colon cancer, and you can help by contributing now.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of mortality in adults, with one in every 20 individuals developing the disease at some time in their lives. The fatality rate from colon cancer has decreased by about half since the mid-1980s, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Screening and early detection have lowered mortality rates and boosted survivors' life expectancy. More than one million individuals in the United States alone have colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer is treatable, despite its high fatality rate. The American audience has to get back into the habit of watching movies on a regular basis. Colon cancer screening is necessary for both men and women over the age of 50. It aids in the detection of benign polyps, which are colorectal cancer precursors. Colorectal cancer screening protects six out of ten deaths. Regular FOBT screening is critical for everyone.
Dr. Godwin Ofikwu pointed out that colorectal cancer symptoms differ. They differ depending on the cancer's size and location. It's time to get your colon inspected if you detect a change in your bowel habits or the consistency of your stool. If these symptoms last longer than four weeks, you should visit a doctor. These symptoms should never be overlooked since they might indicate colon cancer. It's critical to understand that colon cancer is highly treatable if detected early.
Screening is the most effective strategy to avoid colon cancer. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening. Polyps and malignant tissue will be detected with this treatment before they become cancerous. If your screening results are positive, you should have a colonoscopy to look for any abnormalities or suspicious regions. In addition to the screening, you should be aware of your colon cancer symptoms and risk factors. In the United States, 1.5 million individuals are affected by colon cancer.
Colon cancer prevention requires raising public knowledge about the condition. The illness is more likely to strike those over the age of 50, and African-Americans are more prone to get it. People with a family history of colorectal cancer are also more likely than the general population to get colon cancer. As a result, it's important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and get tests at the proper age. The average screening age is 45 years old.
Many people with colon cancer may not have any symptoms in the early stages. However, early identification is critical since colon cancer may grow for up to ten years before symptoms appear. Pre-cancerous polyps may be detected early in screenings, which can lead to major consequences. Screenings should begin between the ages of 45 and 50 for most individuals, however this depends on their risk factors. If you're under 45, talk to your doctor about when you should start screening.
According to Dr. Godwin Ofikwu, cancer cells spread across the layers of the colon and rectum in the early stages. Depending on the level of tissue destruction, colon cancer may be divided into three stages. The muscular layer of the colon is part one, the outside wall is part two, and the cancer has spread to adjacent organs is part three. Treatment choices at this stage, however, vary. As can be seen, prevention is always preferable than treatment.
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