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HEALTH Together a healthy community. www.broadlawns.org March 2017 March is COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Colon cancer is the SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER DEATH in the United States. Colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum. Most often, it develops from small polyps (clumps of cells) that form in the large intestine or rectum. With proper screening, colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. SYMPTOMS: Change in bowel habits present for several days Blood in the stool Persistent abdominal discomfort (gas, cramps, or pain) Weakness/fatigue Unexplained weight loss WHO GETS COLON CANCER? mong ethnic groups, African A American men and women tend to have an elevated risk. People with an immediate family member who has been diagnosed are three times more likely to develop colon cancer. EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY! Start screening at age 50. Talk to your doctor about earlier screening if you have any risk factors or family history of colon cancer. GASTROENTEROLOGY CLINIC (515) 282-2234 PREVENTION: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Use moderation when drinking alcohol. Stop smoking. xercise most days of E the week. RISK FACTORS: – Age – Smoking – Race –H eavy alcohol – Family history consumption – Personal – Crohn’s history disease or – Inactive lifestyle ulcerative – Obesity colitis Source: www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal GET INVOLVED IN YOUR HEALTHCARE HOW CAN I BE AN ENGAGED PATIENT? Do your part to stay healthy. Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and do your best to eat the right foods. Seek care as soon as you need it. Delays in seeking care can allow health problems to become more serious, more costly and harder to treat. Ask questions. You need to understand the information you are given. Prepare for your next visit by maintaining a list of questions you have about your health. 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK your provider to better understand your health. 1. What is my main problem? 2. What do I need to do? 3. Why is it important for me to do this? Make sure you understand. Did the doctor say a word you didn’t understand? Ask your provider to explain what they said in more commonly understood terms, or ask for written instructions. It’s also helpful to repeat back to the provider what they said, but in your own words. TIPS FOR CLEAR HEALTH COMMUNICATION Be involved with decisions that affect your health. If your provider recommends tests or treatment, ask for the information you need to make an informed decision. Make a list of health concerns Ask questions ring a friend or family member B to help at your appointment Bring a list of medications sk the pharmacist for help with A medication questions Source: www.aligning4healthpa.org/patients.aspx | www.broadlawns.org MARCH 2017 | BROADLAWNS MEDICAL CENTER