The symptoms in women and men may be so subtle or nonexistent that colon cancer can go undetected until it's too late. The recommendation is to have a colonoscopy by the age of 50. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer, then speak with your doctor so that she/he may determine whether or not you should have the procedure done. The screening options are there.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
And now for our feature of journeys brought to you by the National Cancer Institute
It's that time of year again and by no means should you ignore the awareness campaigns. March is Colorectal/Colon Cancer Awareness Month. What's important to note is the symptoms - early detection is key. Here's a look at the symptoms of colorectal/colon cancer?
While each journey is unique, we all share common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Finding out that he had colon cancer, Barry Bloom has considered his survival to be necessary to encourage others not only to get screened but to know that all may not be lost when one is diagnosed with cancer. Mr. Bloom is a national columnist for Major League Baseball and has successfully survived cancer two times.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Karen Charlesworth just wasn't feeling up to par and after being misdiagnosed, even trying to exercise to combat her fatigue, she finally heard the truth of her condition. Karen was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 37.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
The journey of cancer comes with the uncertainty of the outcome. A cancer patient has so many things to face and the major focus is on making it through the therapies that lay ahead. However, there is also the debt that many face which can be an added stress.
After reading the story of Arijit Guha which was so compelling, it moved me and I knew it had to be shared. The need to understand the finances is one that really needs attention and hopefully helps us to give to organizations that offers free services/assistance to those with cancer. The insurance company Aetna, reached a certain point and did not want to cover the costs of his treatments but Arijit was not letting them off so easily.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
To read more on Arijit Guha's fight with the insurance company - CANCER PATIENT WINS!
This week was quite a week for the music world. We have lost two musical icons of the 70's Disco Era. The Disco era was an upbeat, fun, dancing era where the music is still popular to this day with samples being used by the number one musical entertainers. Both Donna Summer and Robin Gibb journeys included the fight of multiple cancers.
Donna Summer famous for her songs Bad Girl, Enough is Enough, Hot Stuff, On the Radio, Love to Love you Baby, I Feel Love, Dim All The Lights and many more. Miss Summer a breast cancer survivor lost her battle with lung cancer on May 17, 2012.
Keeping true to the era Donna Summer gives a fabulous fun rendition of Dim All The Lights
As a big fan of the BeeGees, it was tough hearing the sad news. The Gibb family deals with another loss of the Brothers Gibb. The BeeGees were a major part of the disco era, they had a distinctive sound that was embraced by all (if you are honest enough to admit it :-) We loved the BeeGees with their harmonious falseto hits. Robin Gibb passed away from colon and liver cancer. While news of his health seemed grim, Robin made a brief comeback from a coma to the delight of his family and fans.
While each journey is unique we all share a common theme, cancer changes our lives forever.
A special performance Robin Gibb performs How Deep Is Your Love
A bonus BeeGees - Too Much Heaven. We pray that they are all having a beautiful reunion in heaven :-)
March is the Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and we are featuring the survivors who share their journeys after being diagnosed with cancer. We hope that it will inspire and bring hope to others.
Can you imagine the shock of learning that you have colon cancer? Vicki had no family history, she did not even consider being diagnosed with cancer. Here she shares the resources that helped her through the uncertain journey of colon cancer.
Anita Mitchell also shares her journey and the reluctance of her doctors referring her to get the right tests/screenings. She also emphasizes the importance of being specific and knowing your family's health history.
Candace Henley is open about her symptoms and what led her to seek medical attention. However, the dismissal from the medical doctors at the emergency room serves as a reminder to be persistent about getting help for any unusual/abnormal symptoms. Your body is alerting you that something is not working as it should and you must take that seriously.
John Lloyd assumed that he had hemorrhoids but he was surprised to find that he had adenocarcinoma. Here he shares his journey and the importance of early detection and screening.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever. Share this with everyone you know as they may know someone who needs to see this.
Colon and rectal cancer is known collectively as colorectal cancer. In many cases, it begins with a small polyp in the colon. Colorectal cancer may be caused by high fat diets as well as low fiber intake. The recommendation for those who have no identified risk factors (other than age) should begin regular screening at age 50. However, if you who have a family history or other risk factors for colorectal polyps or cancer, you should talk with your health care practitioner on screening at a younger age as well as getting screened more frequently. Furthermore research studies show that there is a specific population who may have an increased risk of having colorectal cancer:
• Women who have a history of ovarian cancer
• If one was diagnosed with Uterine cancer
• Breast cancer patients or survivors
• Reoccurrence of colorectal cancer may develop a second time
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Diabetics have a 30 – 40% chance to develop colorectal cancer
Alissa Murphy was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 36. The diagnosis came as a surprise to her as there were no warning signs. Listen to her journey...
The symptoms in women and men may be so subtle or nonexistent that colon cancer can go undetected until it's too late. The recommendation is to have a colonoscopy by the age of 50. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer, then speak with your doctor so that she/he may determine whether or not you should have the procedure done. The screening options are there.
