There is an old joke that debates which essential organ really runs the
human body. The punchline really gets a laugh out of me, and the joke
makes a pretty solid point. (Ask me sometime to tell it to you.)
All jokes aside, did you know that
Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.? Assessing your
risk of colon cancer with your doctor is an important step in maintaining
your health as you age. All adults aged 50 and older with an average risk
for developing colorectal cancer should have regular colorectal cancer
screenings. Below are some of the ones you may have heard about, or should
know about:
1. Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood tests (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical testing
(FIT or iFOBT) search for hidden blood in the stool. They are typically
recommended annually. This screening is less invasive and can be done
from the comfort of your home.
2. The Cologuard Kit is a stool DNA test that has been heavily advertised
recently and requires a doctor’s prescription. This type of screening
is recommended every three years. This screening is also less invasive
and can be done from your home.
3. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy tests are performed by surgeons to detect
polyps or cancer, and are recommended every five to 10 years. This test
requires a lot of prep work before it is done.
If you are 50 and older, please consider discussing these tests with your
doctor, and decide which test is right for you.
August is National Senior Citizens Month. CCH Wellness offers an iFOBT
test, included with the Senior Wellness Panel. During the months of July,
August and September, this panel will be offered for $75 and includes
a bonus blood pressure screening. Learn more at
www.cchwyo.org/hcplus.
Have Questions?
Campbell County Health's
Wellness Services works to reduce health risks and promote overall wellness among employee
groups and individuals across the northeastern Wyoming region. To learn
more about Wellness, please visit
www.cchwyo.org/Wellness or call 307.688.8051.
This blog was written by Rachel Wilde CPT, MA, CCH Wellness Services Technician
and Phlebotomist