To help further promote colon cancer awareness month in the DFW area, my colleague Dr. Stuart Akerman and I have created an awareness video. In this video, we discuss how to best protect yourself from this cancer.
By watching the video you’ll learn when you should get screened for colon cancer, testing options, and a few recommendations from Plano gastroenterologists. Should you have any questions about colon cancer or your digestive health, please call my office at 972-867-0019 and we would be happy to help.
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/ev6AJ1sL6N4″ /]
2020 Colon Cancer Statistics
Did you know…
- 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening.*
- 1 in 3 people are not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening.*
- Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States.*
- There will be an estimated 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020.*
- 25% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a family history. Know your cancer risk.*
The good news… The key to beating this disease is to follow the screening guidelines and get tested! To learn more about colon cancers’ symptoms, risk factors and when you should be screened, please visit my colon cancer information webpage.
*Statistics provided by the Fight Colorectal Cancer organization.
Colon Cancer Screening Options
The three categories of testing options include:
- Stool based testing (e.g. Cologuard)
- Imaging studies
- Colonoscopy
It’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the testing options, so they can make an educated decision on which test is best for them. Please discuss when you should be screened for colon cancer with your doctor. Important topics you should go over in this conversation are:
- Average risk vs. High-risk individuals. What does this mean and how is it relevant to colon cancer testing.
- Frequency of different screening options
- Family history
- Costs
You can learn more about the pros and cons between Colonoscopy and the Cologuard test by reading my in-depth article.
Dr. Eidem’s Colon Cancer Prevention Recommendation
I believe that colonoscopy is the best screening test because colon polyps can be removed before developing into cancers. When polyps are removed, colon cancer can actually be prevented.
My main goal is for everyone to get screened. If you do not feel that colonoscopy is the best option for you, please consult with your physician regarding Cologuard or imaging testing.
Remember that colon cancer is treatable in the early stages of the disease.
2020 DFW Colon Cancer Awareness Events
National Dress Blue Day
- Date: Friday, March 6, 2020
- Event Info: click here
- Great opportunity to increase awareness at the office or with friends & family!
Colorectal Cancer 5k Walk-A-Thon
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020
- Location: 1675 Republic Pkwy, Mesquite, TX
- Event Info: click here
Get Your Rear in Gear
- Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020
- Location: Trinity Park – 2201 W 7th St., Fort Worth, TX
- Event Info: click here
Colorectal Cancer Alliance Undy Run/Walk
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- Date: TBD*
- Location: TBD
- Event Info: click here
*The 2019 Dallas event was in November, so I would expect late Fall for 2020 as well.
