NEPA at RISK (Penn: live in, shop, move)

[theatergypsy]

It's March, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and once again, I urge everyone to consider colonoscopy based on age and risk factors. You are at risk if you are over 50, or have an immediate family member who has the disease.

Colon and rectal cancers are the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Northeast Pennsylvania. Incidence and mortality rates are about 17% higher than the U.S. average. Ongoing research into the reasons for this disparity thus far is not definitive, but regardless of causality, early diagnosis is important and makes the disease highly curable.

I am a colon cancer survivor, currently two years out. I had surgery to remove my ascending colon, about 1/3 of my entire colon, along with a 7.3cg tumor. I did not have a colostomy, (a bag), although I do have a rather strange scar from the incision. It looks like I have three navels. LOL My surgery was followed by six months of oral chemotherapy. I currently live in my own home, do my own shopping, go to my doctor appointments by myself. I mow my own lawn. I function as well as any, and better than most, women my age.

I consider myself fortunate to be here posting about this, and I'd be pleased to know that even one person heeds my advice and gets it done. Colonoscopy isn't nearly as bad as you think, and compared to having cancer, it's a walk in the park. Or a piece of cake. Or a day at the beach.

Call your doctor. Get the appointment. DM me if you need personal encouragement. But please, don't let your tombstone read, I Died of Embarrassment.

MODS: Please don't move this post. It distinctly pertains to NEPA.TY

[toobusytoday]

Well, not really NEPA, but it's certainly a good idea to have the test. Locked to keep the post visible, but no reason for more off-topic for the forum commenting.