COLORECTAL
SCREENING ~ GET THE FACTS.
GET SCREENED. inte
According to the Maine Public Health, colorectal
cancer is the 2nd leading cancer killer of women
and men.
Risk Factors
There are some risk factors for colorectal cancer
that you may not be able to control such as:
• Age over 50
• A personal or family history of colorectal
cancer or colorectal polyps. There is a link
between genetics and colorectal cancer. Knowing
your family's history is important.
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative
colitis or Crohn's disease.
• Certain hereditary syndromes
The risk factors for colorectal cancer that you
can change:
• Physical inactivity
• High-fat, low fiber diets
• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol use
Signs & Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
• SOMETIMES NONE - early colorectal
cancer often may have no symptoms.
• Blood in or on stool
• Frequent abdominal discomfort
• Pencil thin stools
• Unexplained weight loss
If you should have any of these symptoms, discuss
them with your doctor. Even if you don't have
any symptoms but you are over the age of 50 and
you have never been screened, start now.
What are things you can do to prevent colorectal
Cancer?
Exercise regularly!
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Exercise helps to maintain
a healthy weight. Make sure to check with
your doctor if you have not been physically
active and plan to start exercising. |
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Maintain a healthy weight! Increase the
fiber and reduce the fat in your diet. Healthy
eating and maintaining a healthy weight
may have protective effects. A diet rich
in vegetables and fruits may prevent cancer
and other diseases. Whole grains from breads,
cereals, nuts and beans may also provide
protective effects. Folic acid has been
shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and
colon, cervical and breast cancers.
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Weigh to
Go starts at Redington-Fairview General
Hospital on Monday April 26th. Weigh to
Go is a 8-week weight loss series, taught
by RFGH dietitians, emphasizes permanent
weight loss through healthy choices. Over
the past year, participants completing the
program have lost an average of 5 pounds
per person over the 8- week period. Such
weight loss can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol,
diabetes risk, risk for heart disease, cancer
and more. For more Information & to
reserve space, please call 858-2318. |
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Visit MyPyramid.gov
if you would like to visit the USDA center
for nutrition information. The pyramid will
provide you with easy to read information
about grains, vegetables, fruits, milk,
and meats and beans with simple recommendations. |
Stop smoking! |
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Need help
with tobacco cessation? Call it Quits!
Call the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230
or call the Community Health Educator at
858-2318 for 1:1 support and education,
or contact Somerset Heart Health at 474-7473
and ask about the Quit and Win program.
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GET SCREENED FOR COLORECTAL CANCER. Colorectal
Cancer Screening Saves Lives! Talk to your
doctor and Screen for Life. |
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If you are over 50, get tested for Colorectal
Cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous
polyps so they can be removed before they
turn into cancer and can also find colorectal
cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
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RESOURCES:
www.mainepublichealth.gov
www.cdc.gov/cancer/screenforlife
www.preventcancer.org
National Cancer Institute: 1-800-4-CANCER
For TTY, call 1-800-332-8615
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