Sheboygan – Although colon cancer is a preventable and curable disease if caught early, it remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital and its partner, Prevea Health, offer the following information to help in the screening, prevention and detection of colon cancer:
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends people at an average risk of getting colon cancer receive a colonoscopy annually beginning at age 50. Increased risk patients may need earlier and more frequent screening depending upon recommendation by a health care provider.
People at an increased risk for colon cancer include:
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Those with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
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Those with a personal history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer
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Those with chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
In addition to regular screening for colon cancer, you may also be able to lower your risk by:
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Avoiding foods high in fat
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Adding plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods to your diet
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Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight
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Not smoking
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Drinking alcohol only in moderation
Warning signs of colon cancer can include:
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Blood in or on the stool
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Recurrent shifts in normal bowel habits such as experiencing diarrhea or constipation for no known reason
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Thinning of the stool
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Increases in stomach discomfort (bloating, gas, fullness and/or cramps that last more than a few days)
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A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
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Weight loss for no known reason
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Constant and unexplained fatigue
For more information about colon cancer screening, prevention and treatment, visit www.prevea.com/Your-Wellness/Resources/Colon-Cancer-Screening.
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About HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital has been delivering high quality health care to Sheboygan and its surrounding communities since 1890. HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services that include cancer care, women’s services, 24-hour emergency care, digestive health, orthopedics, cardiac, home health and hospice care. The hospital’s primary purpose is to continue Christ’s healing love through the delivery of high quality and compassionate health care in an environment sensitive to the needs of all people. HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. An affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System, we draw on the history of St. Francis of Assisi as we move to continue serving the health care needs of our area in Christ’s healing ministry, caring for all people. To learn more, visit www.stnicholashospital.org/.
About Hospital Sisters Health System
Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our 15 Local Systems and physician practices in Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org/. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org/.
About Prevea Health
Prevea Health’s mission is to care for people with passion, pride, and respect. Founded in 1996, Prevea Health partners with HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, to provide access to more than 200 physicians in more than 60 specialty areas. Prevea has more than 80 locations throughout Northeast Wisconsin and Western Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley region. For more information, visit www.prevea.com/.