• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

  • Soup Du Jour
  • People
  • Government
  • Campaign
  • Business
  • Education
  • Insights
  • Video
You are here: Home / Archives for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Colon Cancer Awareness Month

What you need to know this Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 1, 2019

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in America, with the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimating that there will be more than 100,000 new colon cancer cases and over 40,00 new rectal cancer cases in 2019. Historically, colon cancer has been the third most common cancer in both men and women, and it remains so today.

Tara Loucks, APRN

Because March is National Colon Cancer Awareness month, there’s no better time to help educate our community about the disease and shed light on why screenings — which many people avoid — are so very important.

While you may already be aware of the importance of colon cancer screenings, you may be among the large number of Americans who avoid screenings anyway. According to research by the American Cancer Society, some of the top reasons people avoid getting tested include: hearing the test was difficult or painful; concerns about the cost of the test; and the thought that they don’t have to get tested because there is no family history of colon cancer.

These concerns are largely unfounded, though. The idea of a colonoscopy may be a little uncomfortable, but the actual procedure is not, and the life-saving benefits are very real. Also, most insurance companies, including Capital Health Plan, cover the cost of the test entirely.

Even if you don’t have the high-risk factors — family history, personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, having received radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area, or a history of other types of cancer — you are still at average risk of contracting colon cancer. Many major groups, including the American Cancer Society, recommend screening for all people beginning at age 45. Following this guideline can save your life.

On Friday, March 1, many members of our Tallahassee community will participate in “Dress in Blue” day to draw much-needed attention to colon cancer and generate conversations about what steps people can take to be proactive in their health and prevent the development of cancer. 

Colon cancer can be a silent killer. According to the American Cancer Society, once you begin to feel the symptoms of colorectal cancer, it’s often very advanced and more difficult to effectively treat. However, if colorectal cancer is detected early on, the survival rate is actually 90 percent. This is why it’s so critical to take care of yourself and do the screenings.

This March, I encourage you to take part in Colon Cancer Awareness Month by sharing with friends and family the importance of colon cancer screening and, most importantly, getting yourself screened. And on Friday, March 1, put on your favorite blue shirt and wear it with pride.

Tara Loucks, APRN, is the Clinical Director of Capital Health Plan’s Colon Screening Program.

Filed Under: People Tagged With: Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Primary Sidebar

    Submit News    

FDOT Receives Grants Totaling $37 Million to Enhance Transportation Safety

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been awarded two grants which support Florida’s commitment … [Read More...] about FDOT Receives Grants Totaling $37 Million to Enhance Transportation Safety

FDOT District Four Community Traffic Safety Team Encourages Everyone to Slow Down

Back to School Means Sharing the Road The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and our Community … [Read More...] about FDOT District Four Community Traffic Safety Team Encourages Everyone to Slow Down

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Holds Assembly on the Lethal Dangers of Substance Abuse, a Component of The Facts. Your Future.

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held a youth assembly to echo the message of The Facts. Your … [Read More...] about Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Holds Assembly on the Lethal Dangers of Substance Abuse, a Component of The Facts. Your Future.

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Newsletter signup

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a brief recap of the week's most popular stories.

Footer

News

  • Soup Du Jour
  • People
  • Government
  • Campaign
  • Business
  • Education
  • Insights
  • Video

About Us 

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021
Terms & Conditions

© Copyright 2022 Capital Soup · All Rights Reserved ·