HEALTH TIP #26:
Colon Cancer Prevention

 

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer in Canada, second only to lung cancer. It begins with a malignant tumor that first appears in your colon or rectum. You might not know it's there because it starts as a quiet polyp that usually takes years to become malignant. The trick is to find them before they cause you any harm.

 

If you have a first degree relative with colon cancer or polyps at age < 60 or 2 or more first degree relatives affected with polyps or colon cancer at any age, you should have a colonoscopy every 5 years beginning at age 40 or 10 years earlier that the youngest diagnosis of polyps or cancer in the family, whichever comes first.

 

If you have a first degree relative with cancer or polyp at age > 60 or 2 or more second degree relatives affected with colon cancer, you should have an average-risk screening (F.O.B.T. or colonoscopy) beginning at age 40.  

 

If you have a second degree relative or a third degree relative affected, you should have an average-risk screening (F.O.B.T. or colonoscopy) beginning at age 50. Please note that everyone should have an average-risk screening at age 50

• First degree relative = parent, child or sibling
• Second degree relative = grandparents, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece
• Third degree relative = cousin, great grandparents, great grand child

Take care of your health, you're worth it!

www.360healthmanagement.com