OT-FYI-Colon Cancer Awareness Month

[Lady_Glorianna]

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month & as most if not all of you know this is what took Ron (Sir Dragon on this forum) away from me. So consider yourselves made aware, schedule those colonoscopies if you are due for one. DON'T put it off! Early detection is the best protection. Use commom sense too. If your doctor is not listening to you or ignoring your symptoms, CHANGE DOC'S! Love you my Love!!

CBS the early show is showing a colonoscopy live this morning. u know the video will be up on CBS later. If you still have concerns please watch. It is the first and best line of defense. I lost my better half, my love on this earth, I dont want to loose anyone else to this. Please go to a GI doctor and schedule one if you feel something is wrong with your GI system, if there is a risk due to fam history or if you are due for one. you do not want this loss for you or anyone in your family, Believe Me! Love you my Love!!!  

[dfloyd888]

I was wondering why a newscaster in Austin was showing videos of his colonscopy... Really slow news day, I guess.

[Lady_Glorianna]

Well this might be critical to someone and there are many people who refuse this test due to myths and or fear. This test can actually prolong or maybe even save your life. Unatended polyps which are removed by through this test, can more than likely become cancer. Colon cancer if disocovered too late is more times than not fatal.

[Noble Dreg]

Been there, done that.  One of life's unpleasant duties to be sure, but better to do it now and keep that life.  With a history of this cancer in my family I do this test on a regular basis (no pun intended).  I have a punch card, one more and I get one free!  

Speaking of camera's being shoved where one would not normally go on a family vacation...I am recovering from laparoscopic surgery I had earlier today to remove a polyp/tumor from my left sinus.  Lady Glorianna is right, do not put off these procedures because they are unpleasant.  I feel fine, full recovery expected.  As Nike says, "Do It".  I say "Do it and live".

Thanks LG

[dfloyd888]

What is the age one starts getting these at and how frequently?  I heard 40, then every 3-6 months after that, but I've heard other stuff.

[Noble Dreg]

I am not an MD, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

Ask your Doc, but usually you get your first "scope" at 50 and every 5-10 years after that.  Unless there is a family history or other conserns...then whenever.

[Lady_Glorianna]

Right now insurance industry dictates 50 and then every 10 yrs unless you have risk factors. Ron ha no history for this and he was 45 when he had to leave. He is not alone. More and more now a days people well below 50 are getting this cancer. This is why I made the comment of common sense. You know your body and yourself more than anyone. If you notice a change on how your digestive system is working especially if you have blood on your stool (which might be a bit extreme) I would bypass a general doctor and find a good GI doctor. They are the ones to perform this test. As I confirmed with my grief coundeor today, a colonoscopy could save your life. If you are below the 50 mark it is up to you to push for it. If you are above 50 it is up to you to push for it before the 10 yr mark if you notice any chnges.