Colon cancer is the second most popular cancer in both men and women, and early detection can save your life, noting it the most “treatable and beatable” disease. Screening should start after age 50 for everyone and earlier for those with a family history of the cancer, or those who suffer with gastrointestinal issues, such as IBD or Chron’s disease.
At RWJBarnabas Health, we take your health very seriously, and we made getting screened easier than ever. Our exceptional team of doctors and specialists offer the latest in medical advancement, and our state-of-the-art gastroenterology and rectal centers are continuously discovering new breakthroughs for the future.
We understand that no one wants to go to the doctor, and you have busy lives to live, but routine testing is worth it. In New Jersey alone, 4,500 cases are diagnosed per year, which is why we urge New Jerseyans to get screened.
We’re hoping that you can help us achieve 80 by 18 – increase screening rates by 80% in 2018 to help us prevent almost 300,000 new cases of colon cancer this year alone. If cancer is detected and treated after a screening, there’s a 90% chance of restoring a normal life, hence the term, “treatable and beatable” disease.
It’s true, screenings are the most confirming tactic to identifying cancer, but let’s not forget what you can do every day to prevent the disease. Eating a healthy diet and moderate exercise can also play into strong colon health. Fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains and legumes, as well as drinking lots of water to help flush out toxins are wonderful for the body; and moving just 20 minutes a day, four times a week, will vastly decrease your risk of colon cancer.
Early detection can save your life, and we’re here to guide you in the right direction. Please find out where you can make a colon cancer screening appointment.