What to Know | The Cancer You Can Prevent

Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer, behind lung cancer, but it doesn’t have to be.
Screening can prevent the cancer or catch it early when it’s highly treatable.
Everyone over the age of 45 should be screened for colorectal cancer (40 for those with a family history).
There are several different screening options. Some cost as little as $25 and all are covered by insurance.
One in every three people are not up-to-date on screening for colorectal cancer. Only 59 percent of Oregonians are getting screened. By comparison, screening rates for breast and cervical cancer are at or over 75%.
Colorectal cancer is often symptomless.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally.
Research found that people are most likely to get screened if they’re encouraged by someone they know and trust. So, if you’ve been screened, sharing your story is critical to saving lives. Talk about your experience with people you know and encourage them to get screened too.

Your Stories

Having a colonoscopy saved my life or at a minimum has prolonged it. Two weeks after turning 50 I had a colonoscopy because it is recommended at this milestone age. I had no family history of colon cancer and had no symptoms. (I know the importance of cancer screenings because my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer after an annual mammogram). The screening revealed stage 4 colon cancer. I started chemo therapy right way, then had surgery to remove all the cancerous lesions and am cancer free today. If I had waited even a few months, my treatment options and outcome would have been much different. SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES! Unlucky for me, my cancer started growing before age 50 but if you are over 50 OR have a family history of colon cancer OR you are having any symptoms, GO GET SCREENED and encourage your loved ones to do it too!

Anonymous