What local doctors want actors’ post-mortem patients to know about colon cancer prevention

Dr. Gary Leroy, Deton’s family doctor and Vice Dean of Student and Admissions at Wright State University Boonshoff Medical School, said the first step in assessing risk is to always know family history. ..

“I use this as a moment to be taught.” Well, you’re worried about it. Let’s discuss why you are worried. Is there anything in your family history about it? “The test itself is very simple and does no harm,” LeRoy said.

With the standard age at which men and women start screening for polyps Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, is 50, but family history and other risk factors may be the reason for starting the test earlier, said Dr Todd Kepler, Southwest Ohio Medical Director at Equitas Health. Said.

“It’s important to have a screening test before symptoms occur,” Kepler said. “You don’t have any problems, but we recognize what puts you at higher risk. One of the things associated with colon cancer is aging. Needs to be screened for colorectal cancer.”

Obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. Although there is no complete consensus among doctors as to why African Americans are at increased risk of developing colon cancer, African Americans do not know if their family members have a history of cancer. It is a risk factor to keep in mind.

“It’s not classified as related to race or barriers to health care,” says Kepler. “There is a much higher incidence of chronic illness in the African American community, many of which are medical and healthy living, food security issues, poverty, access to health care… It’s more likely to happen, and there’s no agreement on why.”

Prevention and screening

According to LeRoy, doctors like Kepler and Leroy emphasize the importance of screening and colon cancer education because colon cancer has a relatively slow progression and all hope.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, but there are other options for patients to consult with their physician.

“I’m a family document, so I’m very passionate about people receiving primary care. This is one of the things we’re so passionate about in Equitas Health,” said Kepler. It was “Once I see a primary care provider, I think they’ll be there to show you the available screening tests and help you choose the right one.”

As Loisroy said, Bozeman was a “picture of health”, so when he starred in “The Black Panther,” the world, and medical personnel in particular, was shocked by his death.

“I was just talking to my patient,” Leroy said, “and he was saying for that (Bozeman’s death), he began talking to some of his relatives, and he said. My cousin (for example) was being treated for cancer… I was like “Wow, yeah, you wouldn’t know that unless you asked a question.” It’s not about sitting and talking at Thanksgiving. “”

Colorectal cancer at a glance

Risk factor

People at high risk of colorectal cancer may need to start screening at an early age and be tested more often than others. Risk may be increased if:

• You or your close relatives have had colorectal polyps or cancer.

• You have inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

• There are certain genetic syndromes, such as familial colorectal adenomatosis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (also called Lynch syndrome).

Having a recommended screen for colorectal cancer can reduce your risk of developing this disease. Screening finds precancerous polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. If you are over 50, talk to your doctor about getting a screen.

Symptom

You don’t have to wait for the symptoms of colorectal cancer to be tested. Precancerous polyps and early colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms. However, if you have symptoms, it may include:

• Blood in or on the stool (bowel movements).

• Persistent stomach pain, pain, or cramps.

• I’m losing weight and I don’t know why.

Source: Centers for Disease Control