Colon Cancer Screening
Colon Cancer
You may not know it, but Mississippi has the second-highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the U.S., for both men and women. The good news, though, is that at least half of all cases could be prevented through regular screening.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a cancer that starts in the lower part of the digestive system. It begins with small, noncancerous growths called polyps. Polyps can become cancerous over time.
Colon cancer screening can detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer, so screening can help prevent cancer.
Getting screened for colon cancer can stop it before it starts or find it early, when it is most treatable and most curable.
Who should get screened?
If you are fifty years old or older, or if you have a family history of colon cancer, you should talk to your family doctor right away about getting screened. He or she can refer you to a specialist called a gastroenterologist to get the screening done.
For more details
http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/information-sheets/colorectal-cancer-health-message
About the Dak Prescott Colon Cancer Screening Campaign
To increase the number of Mississippians being screened for colorectal cancer, concerned organizations have come together to create a public service campaign featuring Dak Prescott, the former Mississippi State star quarterback and this year’s NFL Rookie of the Year for the Dallas Cowboys.
As many Mississippians know, Dak’s mother died of colon cancer when he was just a sophomore in college. In these PSAs, Dak shares his story, in the hope of helping others to avoid the pain and loss that he, his mom, and his family endured.
The PSA campaign was developed by the 70 x 2020 Initiative, a consortium of current and retired physicians, faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and other concerned professionals and volunteers, with support from the American Cancer Society and the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Publications
News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Having performed colonoscopies regularly throughout his career, retired gastroenterologist Dr. Sam Pace is experienced in identifying precursors of colorectal cancer.
Although he did not feel any of those symptoms himself in 2011, Pace learned after a routine screening that he had the disease.
"My story is effective when I talk to patients who say they feel fine and nothing is going to happen to them," Pace said. "I felt fine before I found out I had colon cancer. Fortunately, I was screened early enough to treat and survive it."
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Most Mississippians know obesity can lead to diabetes, but they may not realize it can also increase risks of stroke, asthma, arthritis and some cancers.
Ginger Cross, an assistant research professor in the Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center, is leading a project designed to promote healthy lifestyles in northeast Mississippi. Key components of the project are awareness and education.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- When is knowing about a family history of colorectal cancer a good thing?
Clark Roman of Starkville said knowing his family’s increased incidence of colon cancer prompted him to have regular screenings. The result was early diagnosis and a relatively easy treatment. Almost five years after surgery, he is an advocate for people getting screened according to their doctors’ recommendations.
DURANT -- A group project in Holmes County is one small town’s effort to end Mississippi’s national reign as the leader in obesity.
Detra Bishop, pastor of the John Wesley United Methodist Church in Durant, just marked the first anniversary of her church’s Health Education Center. She started the center in March 2013, involving people from other churches and a variety of contributing organizations.
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Recruitment is under way for people to become Smart Aging: Healthy Futures volunteers to help promote healthy living among seniors in their communities.
Training is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on April 1. The session will be at the Lauderdale County Extension office located on the fifth floor of 410 Constitution Ave. in Meridian. The deadline to apply is March 30.
