Colon cancer affects 1.2 million people in America and kills 50,000 each year. Most of the time, there are no noticeable symptoms. One of the organizations heading up the fight against this often quiet, but progressive disease is the Colon Cancer Alliance.
In this latest installment of the Health Matters at Work podcast series, host Jerry Franz meets with Dr. Laura Porter of the Colon Cancer Alliance. Dr. Porter is herself a survivor of Stage 4 colon cancer, so she knows first-hand the importance of raising awareness of this disease and promoting early detection.
The best detection tool currently available is the colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are recommended for everyone over the age of 50. Early identification of cancerous polyps during colonoscopies can save lives. Polyps can often be removed immediately after identification.
Of course, the best method of avoiding colon cancer is to not get it in the first place. There are several things you can do to help prevent this disease, including regular exercise, diet changes (less red meat, more high fiber foods) and avoiding both alcohol and tobacco.
To learn important facts about colon cancer and the Colon Cancer Alliance, please watch the following podcast.
About Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the oldest and largest national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across the United States. To learn more, please visit www.ccalliance.org.
Become a fan!
