A couple of weeks ago I had a little rant about healthcare in our area, or lack of it I should say. We received four letters in response, including a response from the Premier's office. Honestly, I had hoped to get the government's attention by continually running letters from concerned residents of the area. But after a rush of phone calls and three letters to editor, the issue is quiet again. I would encourage each of you to keep writing letters until we see some progress in our situation along the number 13 highway.
It is so important to keep this issue in the forefront of the minds of those who we have elected to care for our constituency. If no one is complaining - then there isn't a problem. Putting our names to letters or making phone calls gives the issue credibility. Back in the 1890s a resident of what is now Saskatchewan had to travel to Medicine Hat or Calgary or Brandon or Winnipeg for hospital care or to see a specialist. Let's not go backwards.
March is national Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Canada. More than 23,000 men and women with be diagnosed this year and more than 9,000 people will die.
The message from the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada is to remind you that after turning 50, it's time to get screened. Dr. Barry D. Stein, president of CCAC says, "Do not wait until you have the symptoms to get screened, simply get screened at 50 years of age. Too many people believe that they need to have symptoms before getting screened when in fact it's just the opposite. Screening means doing a simple test to prevent cancer or find it at its earliest stages. More than half of people diagnosed have no symptoms whatsoever. Symptoms such a change in stools, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplaned weight loss, anemia or constant tiredness can all signal colon concer. Once the symptoms start to develop it may be a sign of more advanced disease."
Myths & Facts
Myth - Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.
Truth- Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally.
Myth - Once diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it is too late to do anything.
Truth- Colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable when caught at an early stage. People diagnosed at early stages have a very high likelihood of being cured.
Myth -You don't need to get screened if there is no family history of the disease.
Truth- Even if you don't have a family history of colorectal cancer, screening is recommended as of the age of 50. If it does run in the family, you may need to start screening even before age 50.
Myth - A colonoscopy is the only way to screen for colorectal cancer.
Truth- There are several screening options for colorectal cancer, including fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
Myth - Finding a "polyp" means I have cancer.
Truth- Polyps are benign growths that, if left unchecked, have the potential to develop into cancer. Polyps can be easily removed during a colonoscopy. Since generally it can take several years for a polyp to turn into cancer, by removing it at an early stage, it is prevented from becoming cancerous.
Myth - If I have colorectal cancer, it means I will die.
Truth- When colorectal cancer is caught early it has an over 90% survival rate. That's why screening is so important.
Myth - Physical activity is good only for the heart.
Truth- Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Even moderate physical activity can be beneficial. Exercising can reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 40 percent.
Myth - What I consume won't affect my chances of getting colorectal cancer.
Truth- Fruit, vegetables, and fiber are associated with lowered risk of colorectal cancer. There is some evidence of an association between colorectal cancer and red meat. Smoking and alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Aspirin and vitamin D are associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
Don't fear the test - get tested and stay healthy!
