's motd Monday March 14, 2011 - Colonoscopy

[Guest guest]

COLON CANCER

Monday, 14 March 2011

Oh, I just don't even like to type

the word...cancer. Let's face it, that word

strikes fear in the hearts of most of us. But I have

to keep typing because the message I have for you

today is so very important.

Many people think that smoking is

the leading cause of cancer deaths in America. Others

think that heart attacks are the leading cause of

death. But here's the real truth. Colon cancer is

the leading cause of death among non-smoking

Americans every year. Colon cancer is the fourth most

common form of cancer to strike Americans. If not

diagnosed early, it can lead to death. But the good

news is, if detected early, colon cancer can be headed

off before it really damages your body. That's why

it's so important to be screened early and regularly.

You may recall when Couric, then of the Today

show, had a colonoscopy performed on her live on the

show. 's husband had died several years earlier

of colon cancer. Her goal was to help people not to

be afraid of a routine medical test that, honestly,

could save their lives.

Doctors recommend that all adults

age 50 and older get a regular screening for colon

cancer. The test, performed everyday in this country,

is called a colonoscopy.

When I turned 50, my doctor informed me that it was

time for my first colonoscopy. I asked him what the

test entailed and when he explained it to me, my

immediate reaction was...No thanks! But yes,

I did go in for the test. And I'll admit, I was quite

nervous on my way to the doctor's office.

First, they give you something to relax and put you

into what I'd call a kind of "twilight" form of

sleep. (Good, with that test coming up, I liked that

part!) But by the time the test was done, I didn't

know they'd already completed it. Before I knew it, I

was back in another room and ready to go home. So

believe me, there's no need to be afraid of this

test. Now, every five years, I have to go in for

another colonoscopy and always make sure I do.

I have to tell you, there are

other things you can do to take good care of your

colon. One of them is exercise. (Boy, we

keep finding benefits for getting these bodies of ours

moving, don't we?) But it's a fact. Active adults

and those who workout regularly, have the lowest risk

of dying from colon cancer. And you should also

know that exercise helps fight breast cancer, heart

disease and diabetes. That's why I keep telling you

to workout!

You can also take good care of your colon by

maintaining a healthy weight. The risk of colon

cancer is 19% higher in obese people than it is for

people who maintain a normal weight. Obese women

raise their risk of dying from colon cancer by 30-40%.

And while you're working to lose weight, be sure to

include plenty of fiber in your food plan. Be sure to

eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Hey, they may keep

you going to the bathroom more often but, at the same

time, they're helping to keep that colon of yours

working properly and healthy.

So, how old did you say you were?

Over 50? Well, have you had a colonoscopy

yet? If not, don't put it off any longer! Call your

doctor and make an appointment to have your colon

checked out this week!

Love,