PSA Colorectal Cancer Prevention & Awareness Month, Dee Dee's Story (Early Detection Saves Lives)

March was officially declared National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Likely you're visiting my blog today because you or someone you know has been touched by Colorectal Cancer (CRC) or some other life changing event. I was diagnosed with cancer over 23 years ago, it would have been so comforting to have someone come beside me and share with me their journey. My doctor told me that if I would have only come to him when the symptoms first occurred, he could have removed the polyp and we would have avoided all the rest. If only there was a recall button. By sharing my story, I hope to bring further awareness to the importance of early testing and detection.

According to N. Engl. J. Med. 'CRC is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. So what can you do about it? Ask your primary care doctor for a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) (stool test shown to detect or prevent cancer before symptoms occur) and a colonoscopy after 50 every 5 years. I hope others learn from me and won't wait until they have symptoms.

I didn't have anyone who could relate to me at the time and I don't want that for you. Please reach out to me via my blog chatwithdeedee.wordpress.com/​.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Colorectal Cancer Awareness
• Colorectal Cancer Survivor