colon cancer awareness

The day after Wes was diagnosed with colon cancer his mother mentioned to us that March 2nd was a national wear blue for colon cancer day. Turns out the whole month of March is all about colon cancer awareness. The statistics are unbelievable. They say that 1 in 19 Americans will develop colon cancer. 90% of the time the cancer will appear in people in their 50's or 60's. If it is caught early, this cancer is treatable. It is recommended that you start to get regular colonoscopy screenings by the time you turn 50. However, if there is any family history at all of colon cancer it is recommended you start getting regular colonoscopies at age 30. There is even a genetic test that can be done to determine if you have the predisposition to develop colon cancer.

Wes's paternal grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 41 and later passed away from it. We knew we would get Wes a colonoscopy when he turned 30, but had no idea this cancer had already begun its evil work. We call his tumors satan's cave men and oh how I hate them. You can live with those nasty little growing cancer cells for years and have no symptoms. Wes did not start having symptoms until the end of last year. It is only when the colon is starting to be obstructed by a tumor and is becoming more advanced that you begin to notice changes in your body. We know now how important it is to be aware of any long term changes in bowel movements or any long term changes in simply how you feel.

Since it is colon cancer awareness month I am hoping to make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease. When we first went to a doctor they told us Wes had hemorrhoids. A lot of young people with rectal bleeding are given this diagnosis. It is just impossible to believe that a 28 year old has cancer growing inside them. But, we were told if the symptoms continued, to get a colonoscopy and that it would probably end up being some type of colitis or inflammation. The symptoms of this condition and cancer are very similar. That's what we thought it was the morning we went in for his colonoscopy. After they found his cancer the nurse told us that 99% of the time young people experiencing these systems have polyps that can easily be removed before they turn into cancer, or colitis, or some type of tear (sure do love being that 1% that actually turn out to be cancer). The symptoms of colon cancer or other colon issues could be any of the following:

persistent abdominal cramping/pain**

persistent Bloating/gas**

rectal bleeding**

unexplained weight loss

fatigue

feeling that your bowels don't empty completely

prolonged diarrhea or constipation or change in stool consistency*

thin stools (called pencil stools)

*these were symptoms Wes noticed since last summer.

**these were symptoms Wes noticed since last September.

These symptoms really could be any number of things, but if you're unsure there is no harm in getting a colonoscopy just to be certain. Nobody knows your body like you do. Are you grossed out and freaked out? Don't be. There is a saying that goes, "I wish cancer got cancer and died." Oh how I wish that, but since it won't happen please be aware and get yourself screened. Colon cancer can be treated if caught early!

Happy pooping and may the odds be ever in your favor!