Get Your Rear in Gear: The Importance of Exercise

Bum Blog: Edition 2 - Get Your Rear in Gear

When you think about your future, does colorectal cancer come to mind? When I think of my future, I think of living a long and healthy life, which is a reality most of us could have if we take necessary precautions.

Colorectal cancer can be a life-threatening condition, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says we can reduce our risk of developing it by changing our diets, taking low-dose aspirin, and making healthier life choices. I know this list doesn’t appear to be very glamorous, but sometimes a lifestyle change is necessary.

Colorectal cancer typically affects older adults, but it can occur at any age. It is fairly common for people to push off getting a colonoscopy because they are scared of the results, or simply just because it is an inconvenience to them. In some cases, people have held back on getting a colonoscopy for so long that when they find out they have cancer, it’s too late to stop it. I know this information might be scary and uncomfortable, but being prepared might just save your life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, make sure you reach out to your doctor.

• Blood in or on your stool

• Diarrhea or constipation

• A change in bowel habits

• Unexplained weight loss

• Abdominal aches, pains and cramps that are not going away

Make sure you are staying up to date on symptoms and get your colorectal cancer screenings. Roughly nine out of 10 people who discover colorectal cancer early are able to be treated early and are still alive five years later, said the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Be smart, be informed, be safe.