What you don’t know CAN kill you. Unfortunately, for people at risk for colon cancer, there are an abundance of myths surrounding this disease. Since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we would spend some time dispelling the common myths about colon cancer.

Myth #1: Colon cancer is a man’s disease

Truth: Just as many women are diagnosed with it as men.

Myth #2: Colon cancer is not that common

Truth: It’s the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the Unites States. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 die from it.

Myth #3: Colon cancer is not preventable

Truth: It’s totally preventable, all because of a thing call a polyp. These are growths in your colon that, if found early on, can be removed through a medical procedure called a polypectomy. The removal of these growths prevent the cancer from growing later on.

Myth #4: Colon cancer is not treatable

Truth: Just like colorectal cancer is easily preventable, it’s also easily treated. If it’s found and treated early (while it’s small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%.

Myth #5: African-Americans are not at risk

Truth: Actually, African-Americans are the ethnic group within the U.S. that is most at-risk for colorectal cancer. Scientists aren’t sure what the reason behind this is.

Myth #6: There’s no warning signs

Truth: Certain health conditions could indicate that you are at-risk, and should consider getting tested early. If you have experienced inflammatory bowel disease for 8 to ten years, then you are at-risk for developing colorectal cancer.

Myth #7: Genes do not play a role

Truth: Family history is a very important factor in the risk. If you have an immediate family member who had colon cancer, get screened 10 years before the youngest case in your family. So, if your dad was diagnosed at 35, get yourself screened at the age of 25.

Just remember: screening early and often are the keys to overcoming colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about what steps you should take if you think you are at risk for colon cancer.

It impacts approximately 500,000 people within the U.S. alone, and doctors don’t yet know the cause. Those who live with it are often left with limited mobility, among other symptoms. With March being Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, we thought we would take the time to talk about the signs, symptoms and treatment for multiple sclerosis.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis occurs when the myelin coating around the nerve fibers in the central nervous system become damaged, leading to an interference with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body. One analogy people often use is that multiple sclerosis is akin to an electrical wire that’s been stripped of its protective coating.

Who gets Multiple Sclerosis?

Doctors aren’t sure what causes multiple sclerosis, but they think it may have something to do with people being pre-disposed to it and then being exposed to something in their environment that sets it off. It has not been proven to be hereditary, but doctors do know that it’s much more prevalent among those of northern European descent. Women are also more prone to developing it than men. Multiple sclerosis usually develops between the ages of 20-50, but some have had it as young as 2 and as old as 75.

What are the signs of Multiple Sclerosis?

Some of the common signs include:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
• Partial or complete loss of central vision, usually in one eye, often with pain during eye
  movement (optic neuritis)
• Double vision or blurring of vision
• Tingling or pain in parts of your body
• Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain head movements
• Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

These symptoms can also appear in other diseases, so make sure you are tested.

What steps should I take?

If you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, here are a few things you should be prepared to do:

• Stay mobile. This can be accomplished through symptom management, mobility aids and using adaptive devices at home and at the office.
• Take charge of your diet, exercise and weight. It can be hard to maintain a good weight when you have limited mobility, but it can be done. Studies have also shown that a good diet and exercise can help with MS symptom management.
• Decide how to disclose. Who you tell about your condition—and whether you disclose to anyone at all—is entirely up to you and your comfort zone. Just realize your loved ones will be concerned and will need to be reassured—just as you will need their love and support in this time.
• Be good to yourself. When you first find out, it can be a shock. Don’t take on extra stress, don’t blame yourself, and if you need to, reach out to a mental health counselor or a clergy member for help coping.

We are also here to help. Not only does our staff listen to you with compassion, we can also help you find the devices you need to take back your mobility, including canes, crutches, wheelchairs and bathroom safety devices.