Many of my caregivers at Home Helpers have had opportunities to help aging adults and seniors who were battling some form of cancer. Some clients were undergoing cancer treatments, while others in advanced stages were managing the symptoms and pain of their disease as comfortably as possible while approaching their end of life.
It’s never easy for the clients, their families, or our caregivers, but with proper care, compassion, respect, and dignity, our team has helped make life easier and more comfortable which has resulted in greater peace of mind for everyone.
March is Colorectal Cancer Month, and I have chosen to share some valuable research about this dreadful disease and how crucial colon cancer screenings are to prevent and detect colorectal cancer in Illinois.
In a press release published in February, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) said, “Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. Here in Illinois, an estimated 6,140 residents were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,090 will pass away this year. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through screenings. Right now, the state’s colorectal cancer screening program is funded at 1 million annually and ACS CAN is asking that the funding be increased to 1.5 million annually to help more Illinoisans access care to help detect and treat colorectal cancer.“
The University of Illinois Cancer Center explains that colorectal cancer typically begins with non-cancerous polyps that form in the colon and/or rectum and they develop into cancer over time. If these polyps are found early through routine screenings, they can be removed to prevent them from spreading and becoming cancerous.
Considering colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States, colorectal screenings are recommended beginning at age 45, which is five years earlier than the previous recommendation of 50 years old, especially for people at higher risk because more and more younger adults are being diagnosed with the disease.
Men and women are considered to be at higher risk for colorectal cancer if any of the following apply:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
- A family history of colorectal cancer.
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
- A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC).
- A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat prior cancer.
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help prevent colorectal cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit alcohol use or avoid it entirely.
- Stay physically active.
- Reduce red meat consumption, especially processed meats and other processed foods.
- Increase calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
- Eat more whole grains and fiber.
- Get screened.
The most common screening test is a colonoscopy, but several tests can detect colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy is when a gastroenterologist uses a scope to scan the large intestine to detect colorectal cancer and/or identify polyps that can develop into cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy but less invasive as it only looks at the lower part of the colon. A colonoscopy spans the entire large intestine.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test and Fecal Immunochemical Test which detects blood in the stool.
- Stool DNA Test, commonly known as Cologuard, where men and women can submit a stool sample to a lab for analysis. This is not a preventative tool, but it can detect blood in the stool and identify abnormal DNA which can be a sign of cancer.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “Determining which test would be most effective, and how often it should be conducted involves multiple factors including the patient’s age, overall health, family history, and risk factors. Patients should consult with their health care provider to determine which screening method would be most beneficial. Regular screenings are generally recommended for persons between the ages of 45 and 75, but those under 45 who may be at high risk should also consult their medical provider about testing.”
The professional, compassionate caregivers employed at Home Helpers understand the sensitive nature of colorectal cancer and colorectal screenings, and they are highly trained to assist with colonoscopy preps, as well as provide transportation to and from doctor appointments, cancer screenings, and cancer treatments. They are also very skilled in performing a variety of in-home care services to make life easier for aging adults and seniors living with colorectal and other forms of cancer.
I am happy to offer a FREE Assessment to discuss details and create a customized care plan specific to your needs or those of a senior loved one.
Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors, Veterans, and the differently abled in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238
Sources:
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
University of Illinois Cancer Center
Illinois Department of Public Health
