Today is the last day of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but that doesn’t mean the fight against colon cancer stops today. Here are some things you can do to help yourself, your family, and your friends:
- Get Screened! If you’re 50 and over, schedule your screening colonoscopy today. It could save your life.
- If you have a family history of colon cancer, the US Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening starting at age 40 for those with a high-risk, or 10 years earlier than the youngest age of colon cancer diagnosis for any affected relative.
- Colon Cancer is 80% preventable when detected early, but is still the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
- If you’ve been screened, good job! Now spread the word through social media, blogs and word of mouth. We need your help to inform others.
Learn about the symptoms:
Colon Cancer typically has no symptoms. If you have any two of the following symptoms, call your gastroenterologist immediately to discuss screening and other options:
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea, constipation or narrower stools than usual
- Bowel never feels empty
- Blood in stool (bright red or very dark)
- Persistent cramps, gas, pain, or feeling full or bloated.
Contact Granite Peaks to schedule your appointment! Follow this link (https://www.granitepeaksgi.com/service/colonoscopy-screening/) and select “Book Appointment” at the top of the page to schedule your colon cancer screenings. You may also call us at (801) 619-9000. If you have questions or need more information, here are additional resources for you:
Screening Colonoscopy Information (Granite Peaks)
Colon Cancer Alliance