March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Here are a few facts and tips from Good Neighbor Pharmacy, a Family First sponsor.
- - Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S.
- - If treated early it has a better than 90% cure rate.
- - On average, it affects about 1 in 20
- - 90% of new cases occur in people aged 50 or older
- - It is third most common form of cancer in men and women
- - People of average risk should start being screened at age 50
While most everyone should get a colonoscopy at 50, the guidelines have changed for African Americans. The recommended age is now 45. But depending on your family history you should go in at 40.
Ron Corning sat down with Dr. Jim Hakert, President of Digestive Health Associates of Texas to talk about who is at greatest risk.
So many at risk are uninsured and unable to pay out of pocket for this life saving screening, so for the 5th year Digestive Health Associates of Texas is holding it's annual free screening day on Saturday, April 30, 2016.
You can apply now through April 4th. Uninsured patients go to getscreenednorthtexas.com. Patients will be randomly selected once the submission window closes and will be notified no later than April 18, 2016.