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staying healthy
Get tested
for colon cancer
I
f you’re 50 or older, one of the
most important things you
can do for your health is to
get tested for colon cancer. Colon
cancer is the third most common
cause of cancer death for men and
women, but many of these colon
cancer deaths could be prevented
with regular testing. You have the
power to protect yourself from
colon cancer through testing
starting at age 50.
Colon cancer is cancer that
begins in the colon or rectum. ese
are the parts of your body that help
you digest food and hold waste until
it passes out of the body.
Most colon cancers start as
polyps—small growths on the
lining of the colon. Finding and
removing polyps before they
become cancer can stop colon
cancer before it starts. Tests can
also nd cancer early, when it is
small and easier to treat.
Most people with colon cancer
have no symptoms at all. at’s
why it’s important to get tested
even if you’re feeling ne. ere are
many di erent ways that you can
be tested, such as with simple take-
home tests.
Take action.
If you are 50 or
older, talk to your doctor about
testing for colon cancer and ask
which test is right for you. You
can call Kern Family Health Care
at
661-632-1590
(Bakers eld)
or at
800-391-2000
(outside
Bakers eld) with questions and to
make an appointment.
Source: American Cancer Society
Protect yourself
from colon cancer
Here are some steps you can take
to reduce your risk of colon cancer:
Maintain a healthy weight and
lifestyle:
Eat five or more servings of
vegetables and fruit every day.
Limit red and processed meats.
Get at least 30 minutes of
moderate physical activity five days
a week.
Limit alcohol intake.
Do not smoke.
Get tested for colon cancer
star ting at age 50.
Talk to your
doctor about the test that’s right for
you.
Tests can find polyps before they
become cancer or find cancers
when they are small and easier to
treat.
If you have a relative that had
colon cancer or polyps, you may
need to get tested before age 50.
Talk to your doctor if you have a
family history of colon cancer or
polyps.
You have the power to protect
yourself from colon cancer.
If
you’re 50 or over, talk to your
doctor about getting tested.
The American Cancer Society
recognizes Kern Family Health
Care for our participation in
the National Colorectal Cancer
Roundtable’s campaign to
increase rates of colorectal
cancer screening to 80 percent
by 2018.
KFHC mailing address: 9700 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311
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family
health