Screening for colon cancer is one of the most important steps in early detection and prevention. Good Neighbor Pharmacy understands this and offers a comprehensive screening program that aims to help people identify and manage their risk of colon cancer. But this isn't just any average screening program - it's a program that goes above and beyond to provide patients with the best and most accurate results possible. From state-of-the-art technology to compassionate and knowledgeable staff, Good Neighbor Pharmacy's Colon Cancer Screening program is the gold standard in cancer detection.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. It occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide in the colon or rectum. These abnormal cells can then invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
Colon cancer usually develops slowly over several years, and it often starts as a noncancerous growth called a polyp. Polyps can be found during a colonoscopy and removed before they turn into cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
- Blood in your stool
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits
- Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they last for more than a few days, it is important to talk to your doctor. However, it is important to note that many people with colon cancer do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer screening is the process of looking for polyps or cancer in the colon or rectum before symptoms develop. Screening can help find polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer, or detect cancer in its early stages when it is easier to treat.
Who Should Get Screened for Colon Cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colon cancer start regular screening at age 45. People with a family history of colon cancer or certain other conditions may need to start screening earlier or be screened more often.
Types of Colon Cancer Screening Tests
There are several types of colon cancer screening tests:
- Colonoscopy: A doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the colon and rectum.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A stool sample is tested for blood.
- Stool DNA test: A stool sample is tested for certain DNA changes that may indicate colon cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A doctor uses a shorter, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the lower part of the colon and rectum.
- CT colonography: A CT scan is used to create images of the colon and rectum.
Your doctor can help you decide which screening test is best for you based on your age, medical history, and personal preferences.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Colon Cancer Screening
Good Neighbor Pharmacy offers a convenient and affordable colon cancer screening program. This program includes a FIT test, which you can complete at home. The test is easy to use and takes just a few minutes.
The kit includes everything you need to collect a stool sample and mail it to the lab for testing. You will receive your results within a few weeks, and if the test is positive, your doctor can recommend further testing, such as a colonoscopy.
Why Choose Good Neighbor Pharmacy?
Good Neighbor Pharmacy is committed to providing quality healthcare services and products to our customers. Our screening program is convenient, affordable, and reliable.
- Convenient: You can complete the FIT test at home, and there is no need to visit a doctor's office or lab.
- Affordable: The cost of the kit is much lower than the cost of a colonoscopy or other screening tests.
- Reliable: The FIT test is a proven screening method that has been shown to detect colon cancer in its early stages.
Colon cancer is a common and potentially deadly disease, but it can be prevented or treated with early detection. Colon cancer screening is an important part of maintaining your health, and Good Neighbor Pharmacy offers a convenient and affordable way to get screened. Talk to your doctor about the best screening options for you, and take control of your health today.
As the Good Neighbor Pharmacy Colon Cancer Screening campaign comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank you for visiting our blog and learning more about this important issue. We hope that our articles have provided you with valuable information about colon cancer and the importance of early detection through regular screenings.
If you or someone you love has been affected by colon cancer, please know that you are not alone. There is a network of support and resources available to help you navigate this journey, from medical professionals to advocacy groups and beyond. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer and catch it early if it does occur.
Remember, colon cancer is highly treatable when caught in its early stages. By getting screened regularly starting at age 45 (or earlier if you have certain risk factors), you can greatly increase your chances of early detection and successful treatment. Talk to your doctor about your screening options today, and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.
Thank you again for joining us in the fight against colon cancer. Together, we can raise awareness, promote prevention, and ultimately save lives. Stay well, stay informed, and don't forget to get screened!