March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and there are a few things everyone needs to know about this type of cancer. Colon rectal cancer is the second leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Colon cancer is not just a disease that old people get. Young men and women do get colon and rectal cancer, also called colorectal cancer. When detected early colorectal cancer can be cured.
At 36 years old I got the shocking diagnosis of colon cancer. A cancerous polyp was found in my colon and was removed during a sigmoidoscopy in the doctor’s office. Due to my young age, it was recommended by two colon rectal surgeons that I undergo a colon resection where 10 inches of my colon was removed. The biopsy showed no signs of cancer and I required no further treatment. For eight years I had a follow up bloodwork, exam and yearly colonoscopy.
My healthy eating and daily exercise have kept me healthy and feeling great with no recurrence of cancer or polyps. If you experience any changes in bowel habits, bleeding or unexplained abdominal pain see your doctor right away and asked to be screened.
Tracy Dwyer