Get Healthy 502- Colon Cancer Awareness
In honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, our topic this month asks you to understand your risk of colon cancer and take control of your health by scheduling a colon cancer screening.
An estimated 149,500 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 — but by seeing your medical provider and having proper routine screenings, colon cancer is 90% preventable. If you are age 50 to 75, it might be time for a colon cancer screening. If you are African American, screening is recommended beginning at age 45.
That’s why Norton Healthcare has made it easy for you to schedule a colonoscopy, with online scheduling and weekend appointments available at our St. Matthews and Brownsboro locations. We also offer at-home screening tests if you are eligible.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover all or most of the cost of a colon cancer screening. Check with your insurance provider before scheduling to understand costs.
To learn more or to schedule your screening, click here or call (502) 289-1663.
Understanding your risk for colon cancer
To understand your risk for colon cancer, you can take our online health risk assessment.
Learn more about colon cancer risk factors below:
Being overweight or obese
According to the American Cancer Society, being overweight puts individuals at higher risk for colon cancer
This is the link that puts you most at risk. And, you can’t change it.
While many people think smoking only causes lung cancer, it is linked to several types of cancers, including colon cancer.
Eating a lot of red and processed meats and heavily drinking alcohol can put you at higher risk. Try eating less meat by adding more plant-based proteins to your diet and limit alcohol intake — women can have one drink a day; men can have two.
Being inactive
Exercising most days of the week can help lower your risk for many conditions, including colon cancer. Talk to your health provider about how to add activity to your day-to-day routine.
