By: Sidney Morgan, MD
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is so common and affects everyone. A man’s lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 22 and 1 in 24 for a woman. Craig Melvin from the Today Show recently shared about his brother’s struggle with colorectal cancer, who ultimately passed at age 43. Unfortunately, Chadwick Boseman from the Marvel movie Black Panther passed away several years ago at age 43. Vince Lombardi ultimately passed away from colon cancer. Sharon Osbourne is in remission from colon cancer. Ronald Ragon underwent curative surgery and treatment for colon cancer. Audrey Hepburn died of colon cancer. Darryl Strawberry received treatment at age 36 for colon cancer and again several years later.
Colon colon cancer may not be readily apparent, but it is very present in every community. Colonoscopies are proven to reduce the risk of getting colon cancer and dying from colon cancer. Other options, such as home DNA tests, namely the Cologuard, offer a convenient alternative. There is a bit of a trade-off of effectiveness for convenience, but overall, it is a good option for those for whom a colonoscopy is not feasible. The bottom line is prevention is always a great idea. Whether it is brushing the teeth to prevent cavities or getting some regular exercise, we know there are certain things where being proactive pays off. Thankfully, we have options that are effective at detecting and reducing the risk of dying from colon cancer.
Don’t delay care, call your Optim Primary Care provider today:
GLENNVILLE | 912.654.4599
Josuah Wickstrom, MD and Lisa Dasher-Anderson, FNP
METTER | 912.685.2111
Josuah Wickstrom, MD and Lee Walker, FNP
MILLEN | 478.982.0120
Prakul Chandra, MD and Jodi Gilmer, PA
REIDSVILLE | 912.557.3434
Josuah Wickstrom, MD, Sherry May, FNP and Cala Tanner, FNP
SYLVANIA | 912.303.7533
