The Facts about Colon Cancer

It is estimated that 4,633 people (2,432 males and 2,201 females) in North Carolina were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015. The disease affects men and women equally and those with a family history of colon cancer or polyps are at an increased risk. If you suffer from Crohn?s Disease, ulcerative colitis or Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you are at an increased risk. Colon Cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. Screenings can reduce your risk by up to 90% because polyps found during this process can be removed before they have a chance to develop into cancer. For all senior adults interested there will be an informational workshop held at South Iredell Senior Center on Fri., March 4 at noon to educate about colon cancer and promote prevention awareness. Join us and learn about the risk factors, symptoms and screening options and what one can do to prevent colon cancer. The program will be presented by Dr. David Gish, Northpoint Surgical Specialist and sponsored by Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. A light lunch will be provided. To attend, RSVP with a $1 to South Iredell Senior Center by Mon., Feb 29. No registration taken by phone. Be sure to wear your blue as March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Colon Cancer Alliance is holding a National Dress in Blue Day to get people talking about this disease, so we encourage everyone to wear blue to the Senior Centers on Friday, March 4th. The NC Division of Aging and Adult Services is supporting the NC Cancer Prevention and Control Branch of the NC Division of Public Health to celebrate Dress in Blue Day. Remember . . . wear blue on March 4th!