My beautiful mother had just turned 46 years old when she passed away from colon cancer on September 27, 2011. I was 22 years old. She was my best friend, and the bravest person I’ve ever known. Given a year to live, my mother made it almost a full three, choosing to fight her cancer with pride. My mom took everything in stride. She continued to work. She would go to chemo on a Friday, and she would come back to work on a Monday. She left the world with strength and grace, but the time we’ll never get to spend together leaves an empty chair forever at our table.
If my mom could fight to stay alive, I figure I can fight for other people and help bring awareness to one of the most preventable cancers when caught with early screening.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of my mom and the countless other beautiful family and friends we have lost to their battle with cancer, it’s time to be proactive.
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States aside from skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime risk of getting it is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. It is also noted that there has been a rise in cases of younger-aged colon cancers in men and women under 50.
- A colonoscopy is the only method to detect AND remove polyps, or to definitively diagnose a cancer.
- The average risk screening is recommended at age 45 for African Americans, and 50 otherwise (although the American Cancer Society is recommending 45 for everyone – I’m sure there will be a change in guidelines soon!)
- Know your family history and risk. If a relative has been diagnosed with colon cancer, this may change when you need to get screened.
- Pay attention to your body’s signals and champion your health! If you notice any changes, go see a doctor!
Don’t be embarrassed about undergoing a colonoscopy. I can assure you, it is not a dirty word. It is one of the best life-saving screening tools we have! I’ve had 5 of them, ya’ll. I’ve been going every 3-ish years since I’ve been 19. The prep is annoying, yes. Close your eyes, drink your mixture, become one with your toilet, and hydrate with some Gatorade! (I suggest the blue or yellow flavors for smooth sailing). In my experience, the more fluids you drink before and after your procedure, the better you’ll feel! I walk out of my procedures less than two hours after I walk in, with a GREAT uninterrupted nap, feeling confident and comfortable with the knowledge that I’ve done what I can to keep myself safe from colon cancer, and go home to the loving hugs of my children.
I know it can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. If you’re at the age when screenings should begin, or if you have a family history or other risk factors, talk to your doctor, and get it scheduled.
If you need a bright sid
e, your first meal after the procedure tastes like the best thing you’ve ever had! 😀
