Colon Cancer Screening & Life-Saving Care (Page 3)
When Jenny was pregnant with Carter, she battled advanced rectal cancer.
Colon and rectal cancer (colorectal cancer) is a leading cause of death in the U.S. But it doesn’t have to be. We have colorectal cancer screening options that are easy and lifesaving. They can prevent and find cancer in the colon or rectum. And if screening or symptoms lead to a diagnosis, you’ll have some of the nation’s best colon cancer surgeons on your side at UVA Health.
Start Screening by 45
We all need to start colorectal cancer screening no later than 45. Some of us need to start screening even younger, if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. And it’s important not to ignore symptoms of colorectal cancer on the rise at alarming rates among young people like Jenny Folz.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Take care of your colon health by asking your healthcare provider about doing an at-home stool test or whether a screening colonoscopy is right for you. Learn more about colon cancer and how to prevent it: all covered in this colon cancer archive.
Just like you have your mom’s hair color and your dad’s athletic ability, you can inherit a predisposition for cancer. Cancer genetic testing can determine if you’re likely to get cancer, especially: Breast cancer Colon cancer Ovarian cancer Pancreatic cancer Listen to a Cancer Center genetic counselor explain the testing.
