Get screened

Colorectal cancer is the secondleading cause of death for all cancers in the United States, and while we are seeing improvement in the diagnosis and treatment nationally, Oklahoma ranks as one of the highest in regard to colorectal cancer incidence and death rates. This is due in part to our poor colorectal cancer screening, ranking 50th among the states. Guidelines recommend individuals with normal risks begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. Some of these screening tests can be done in the privacy of your home, or those performed by a licensed health care provider, which include virtual colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or traditional colonoscopy.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society of Oklahoma wants to encourage you to exercise, eat nutritional foods, maintain a healthy weight, and of course avoid tobacco products and other substances that can increase your risk for cancer. Equally, we want to stress the importance of discussing colorectal cancer screening with your health care professional. Colorectal cancer is preventable, but only if there is early detection and treatment. Please contact your doctor or other health care provider today to discuss screening options that are best suited for you.

Christian M. Ellis, D.O., Edmond Ellis is a member of the board of the American Cancer Society of Oklahoma.