Texas Oncology

Screening can give peace of mind

There are several things on our “to do” list that we’re all really good at putting off. They need to be done, but we don’t like disrupting our routines or taking time away from other activities to make them happen. However, when it comes to cancer screenings, it’s worth a little disruption. It can give you peace of mind. Or if cancer is detected, the earlier it’s found, the more treatment options are available.

Colorectal cancer screenings are a great example of something many would prefer not to do and often delay. Colonoscopies, in particular, get the worst rap of all the cancer screenings, and it’s not hard to see why. We generally don’t discuss it at the dinner table, and it might be a bit embarrassing. Between the prep and the procedure, you have to invest a bit of time. But at the end of the day, it is worth it.

Early Detection

Detecting cancer early through colorectal cancer screenings can be a lifesaver, which is the best reason to get screened, especially since colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the U.S. Screenings are essential to diagnosing colorectal cancer because the disease typically lacks symptoms in the early stages. The American Cancer Society estimates that 151,030 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 52,580 people will die from colorectal cancer in 2022.

We spend a lot of time protecting our health by staying active and eating right, and it only makes sense to protect our health by getting the proper colorectal cancer screenings. Men and women age 45 and older with an average risk for developing colorectal cancer should discuss the most appropriate screening test with their physician.

Colorectal Screening

Screening tests include annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT); multi-targeted stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test every three years; flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years; virtual colonoscopy every five years; or colonoscopy every 10 years. Those with increased risk factors should consult their physician whether to begin screenings earlier than age 45. Those with symptoms or a positive test from another type of test should have a colonoscopy.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. If you’re due for a colorectal cancer screening, stop putting it on your “to-do” list and move it to your “done” list. You won’t regret the decision.

Chamber members are doing great things!

Members' efforts are highlighted on our news page, and our community events feature webinars and other resources available to our business community.

Have a great story to share? Let us know! Email our Customer Success team at customers@austinchamber.com

Related Categories: Membership

Colorectal Cancer Screening: It’s Worth It!