Colorectal Cancer Preventable, Treatable, Beatable
	The second leading cause of cancer death is from Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps (growths) in the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps can turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps, and colorectal cancer early, so it can be treated. People who have polyps or colorectal cancer sometimes don’t have symptoms, especially at first. This makes screening tests the most important tool for early detection. Who is at Risk? Both men and women can get colorectal cancer. It is most often found in people over 50 years old. If you are 50 or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer could save your life. People with the following risk factors are more likely to develop colorectal cancer: Age: More than 90 percent are diagnosed after age 50. Family History: Close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters) with a history of this disease increase your risk as well. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or other inflammatory bowel diseases, your risk for colorectal cancer increases. Personal History of colorectal cancer: If you have had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past your risk is increased for developing it a second time. Women who have had breast or ovarian or uterine cancer also have an increased risk. High Fat Diet: If your diet is high in animal fat your chance of developing colorectal cancer is increased. Smoking: A person Return to Top	who smokes cigarettes may be at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. Types of Screening Tests Beginning at age 50, the following screening tests should be performed: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test detects blood in the stool which is cause for more testing to determine its origin. This test should be done yearly. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test checks for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon. This test should be done every five years. Colonoscopy: Similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy, this test examines the anus, rectum, entire colon, and appendix. Polyps that are found can be removed during this procedure. This test is usually done every ten years. A colonoscopy may also be done as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. Double contrast barium enema: This test is an x-ray of the colon. The barium test makes it easy to see polyps and other abnormalities. This test is usually done every 5-10 years. Digital rectal exam: This exam is part of a routine physical examination to feel for any abnormal areas in the rectum. This test should be done annually. ***Note: If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, you may need to be tested more frequently.	Typically symptoms do not show up in the early stages. As the disease progresses any of the following symptoms may be seen: A change in bowel habits Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that bowel does not completely empty Blood in the stool Stools that are narrower than usual Abdominal discomfort, gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps Weight loss with no known reason Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that they can be diagnosed as early as possible. Prevention Exercise regularly. Physical activity may reduce your risk for colorectal polyps – a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat – it can provide overall health benefits and can help prevent other cancers. Colorectal cancer can be treated and cured if it is detected at an early stage. Take care of yourself, and consult your physician to find a screening schedule that is right for you.
Diabetes Awareness: Should you be screened?
Prediabetes is a condition where above-normal blood sugar levels signal a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next ten years. Identifying and getting it under control before it becomes advanced diabetes can save your life. If you are obese, have a history of heart disease or are over 45 it’s wise to be screened for prediabetes. Consider the following to see if you may be at risk for Return to Top	this condition. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may benefit from testing for prediabetes. Do you have a relative with type 2 diabetes or heart disease? Are you overweight or obese? Are you 45 or older? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you belong to a higher-risk ethnic group including African American, Latino and Asian American,	Pacific Islander? A quick weight check: If you’re male and your waist is above 40 inches or female and your waist is above 35 inches. For women: Did you develop diabetes during pregnancy and/or have had a baby who weighed more than nine pounds at birth? In diagnosing prediabetes, doctors will evaluate results of blood tests including:	Fasting blood glucose Triglycerides Cholesterol Blood Pressure If you are diagnosed with prediabetes you should see your doctor a couple times a year. Lifestyle changes including exercise and weight loss can be very effective in managing your health. For more information on this topic visit: http://www.diabetes.org
Coronary Artery Disease: Are you at risk?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. The lifetime risk of having coronary heart disease after age 40 is 49% for men and 32% for women. As women get older, the risk increases almost to that of men. Coronary heart disease (or coronary artery disease) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary disease usually results from the build up of fatty material and plaque. As the coronary arteries narrow, the flow of blood to the heart can slow or stop. The disease can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. There are many factors which increase the risk for CHD. Some of the risks are based on family history (genetics), and others are more controllable. Return to Top	Risk factors: Family history of coronary heart disease (especially before age 50) Male gender Age (65 and greater) Tobacco smoking High blood pressure Diabetes High cholesterol levels (specifically, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol) Lack of physical activity or exercise Obesity High blood homocysteine levels Menopause in women Symptoms: The symptoms associated with coronary heart disease may be pronounced, but they can also occur without any noticeable symptoms. Chest pain (angina) is the most	common symptom, and it results from the heart not getting enough blood or oxygen. The intensity of the pain varies from person-to-person. Chest pain may be typical or atypical. Typical chest pain is felt under the sternum and is characterized by a heavy or squeezing feeling, it is precipitated by exertion or emotion, and it is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Prevention: See your health care provider regularly. Don't smoke. Eat a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Eat well-balanced meals that include several daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Develop a routine exercise	regimen. Short, frequent sessions of exercise are preferable to a complete sedentary lifestyle. Walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking far from building entrances are all measures that most people can incorporate into their busy routines. Keep blood pressure under control. Maintain weight appropriate for your frame and build. Inquire about what vitamin supplements may be helpful in the prevention of CHD. Manage stress.
Smoking Countdown!
Want to improve your overall health? QUIT SMOKING. Make up your mind to quit and follow this simple 5 day countdown. 5 days before your Quit Date: Think about your reasons for quitting Tell friends and family your planning to quit. STOP buying cigarettes. 4 days before your Quit Date: Pay attention to when and why you smoke. Return to Top	Think of other things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette. Think of habits or routines to change. 3 days before your Quit Date: What will you do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes? Think of who to reach out to when you need help. 2 days before your Quit Date: Buy the nicotine patch or nicotine gum.	Or see your doctor to get the nicotine inhaler, nasal spray or the non-nicotine pill. 1 day before your Quit Date: Put away lighters and ashtrays.	Throw away all cigarettes and matches. Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. Quit Day Give yourself a treat, or do something special. Keep very busy. Remind friends and family that this is your quit day. Stay away from alcohol. Congratulations! If you “slip” and smoke. Don’t give up. Set a new date and get back on track.
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