Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month good time to talk about screening guidelines

COLUMBIA, Md. /PRNewswire/ — March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a new survey conducted by MedStar Health shows people need more education when it comes to colon cancer screening.

Colorectal cancers are the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best way to prevent those deaths is through early detection. 

The survey of 1000 American adults found: 

• 59% are concerned about getting colorectal cancer.
• Just 22% identified the correct age for a first colonoscopy. 
• Only 11% knew the regular schedule to receive colonoscopies for people with normal risk. 
• Only 21% of people over 45 got their first colonoscopy according to the recommendation.

“These important guidelines have been out for three years now, and we hope people are getting the message,” said Joseph Jennings, MD, MedStar Health gastroenterologist. “In 2020, the recommendations changed so people with average risk for colon cancer, meaning no family history and no symptoms, should start at age 45. The exceptions are for people with known family history of colon cancer or have certain genetic syndromes that would mean they should start earlier.”

With only 21% of those surveyed reporting they had a colonoscopy according to the 2020 guidelines, Dr. Jennings suspects they just haven’t heard about the new recommendations or they’re anxious about the preparation involved. Fortunately, he says the days of drinking liters and liters of a white chalky liquid for colonoscopy prep are over.

“Now we have smaller volumes, down to a couple of milliliters of fluid to drink, or even pills that can be taken with water and sports drinks that make the necessary prep much more palatable.  The cleaner the colon the safer and more effective the colonoscopy is. It’s still not fun, but the preparation has gotten much easier,” Dr. Jennings said.

Dr. Jennings says colonoscopy is the only test available that allows physicians to find the smallest of polyps that can become cancer and remove them at the same time.

“This age guideline of 45 can help us find the polyps when they are smaller and easier to remove and, in the end, save lives,” said Dr. Jennings.

Colorectal cancer does not always have symptoms, but they can include a change in bowel habits, blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.

SOURCE MedStar Health

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

(Family Features) Whether Melissa Joan Hart is on set directing her latest movie, recording an episode of her podcast or driving her kids to school, she is always on the move. When she first began experiencing dry, irritated eyes, she wasn’t sure how to relieve her symptoms. However, after a recommendation from her friend, she learned there was a line of eye lubricant products designed to relieve dry eye symptoms of eye dryness, burning, itching and discomfort.

“My eyes get dry and irritated, especially during long days on set when I’m spending hours staring at monitors,” Hart said. “I learned I am one of 35 million people in the United States who experience dry eyes. I didn’t know how I could find relief – until I discovered Refresh.”

Hart is teaming up with Allergan, an AbbVie company, to share her experience using the number one doctor-recommended family of products. The Refresh line was developed from more than 30 years of dedicated eye research and includes artificial tears, ointments and gel drops to relieve symptoms of eye dryness. The drops offer fast-acting relief for a wide range of individuals based on their symptoms and severity levels, including products for daytime, nighttime and anytime use.

“Many people experience eye dryness for many reasons and have different needs, which is why I like that the Refresh portfolio has several different products that offer fast-acting relief for a wide range of individuals,” Hart said. “Right now, I use Optive Mega-3 and Relieve PF Multidose to relieve my eye dryness and prevent further irritation. There’s a great tool on the Refresh website to help you figure out which product may be right for you.”

Hart continued, “Refresh has quickly become a part of my daily routine, on and off set. I have a few bottles tucked away in different rooms around the house and in my purse to use throughout the day. I don’t leave the house without them.”

Refresh eye drops can be found at all major retailers and online. Learn more at refreshbrand.com and take the quiz to see which product may help relieve your symptoms.  

Use only as directed. For US consumers only.

Source: Allergan, an AbbVie company.

US-RFS-220152 2/23

SOURCE:
Allergan, an AbbVie company

(Family Features) Kidney disease is one of the most common complications of living with diabetes and can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. There are steps you can take to keep your heart, brain and kidneys healthy, including an annual kidney screening. A urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio test is a simple urine test used to identify early signs of kidney disease and give you and your health care team important information to manage your risk. Learn more about taking charge of your health at KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.

SOURCE:
American Heart Association