Did You Know?
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Cancer of the colon and rectum - called colorectal cancer - is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.
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If detected early, colorectal cancer can be successfully treated 90% of the time. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for the early detection of colon cancer.
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A colonoscopy is recommended for healthy individuals without symptoms or a family history at the age of 45.
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20 states have legislation that requires insurance providers to cover the cost of preventative colorectal cancer screenings. Wisconsin is not among them.
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For every dollar that is spent on the early detection of colon cancer, three are saved in treatment.
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If you have a colon or a rectum, you are at risk for developing colorectal cancer. The most common symptom of colon cancer is no symptom.
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If you have a change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools) see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
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If you have unexplained weight loss, vomiting, lack of energy, unexplained anemia, see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
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If you have blood in the stool or from the rectum, see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
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If you have abdominal pain/discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps, feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely) see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
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The incidence of colorectal cancer among men in their 20’s and 30’s has increased 17% over the past 20 years.
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Fear, denial, and embarrassment are the most common roadblocks that keep people from being screened.
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Being 45 or older is a risk factor for colon cancer.
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You are at risk if someone in your family has a history of colon cancer or a history of polyps in the colon.
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Ask about your family’s medical history if you don’t already know it.
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You are at risk if you have a history of polyps in your colon.
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You are at risk if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease.
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20% of colon cancers occur in people who are under the age of 50.

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