March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March 18, 2022
Even though events and hospital visits may have been postponed over the last few years, colorectal cancer screening is essential and should not be delayed. Alaska Native men and women are two times more likely to get diagnosed with colon cancer than non-Natives. The good news is that colorectal cancer can be prevented through early screening and detection.
Alaska Native people should get checked for colorectal cancer starting at age 40, or earlier if you have a family history of the disease. Non-Alaska Native people should start screening at age 45. If you experience symptoms, such as blood in your stool (feces) or abdominal pain, don’t wait! Talk to a health care provider right away.
Tara Ferguson-Gould understands firsthand the importance of getting screened for colon cancer and what she needed to do to keep herself healthy. Ferguson-Gould’s grandfather was diagnosed and ultimately passed away from colon cancer, so she knew scheduling a colonoscopy was the right thing to do given her age as well as being Alaska Native. During a colonoscopy, it was discovered that Ferguson-Gould had polyps, which can be common and easily treatable when caught early. Since then, she has made routine colonoscopies part of her regular health care and is very thankful that this procedure can detect cancer early.
“It’s something that we can all do for our health and wellness,” Ferguson-Gould said. “It’s a screening that we can undergo to find cancer early and by finding cancer early, we can potentially live a long life and be there for our loved ones.”
After her first colonoscopy, she now advocates for early screenings with not only her own family, but also with friends and coworkers.
As a former Community Health Aide, Ferguson-Gould continues to serve her community as a resource for those getting a first-time colonoscopy. She supports people and answers any questions or misconceptions they have. Some are apprehensive at first but she can, “reassure them that it’s important; that it could really change their life. It could detect something early, before it turns into cancer. I think the voice from someone that patients and community members know is really critical, it’s important.”
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many essential health screenings were delayed, including colorectal cancer screening. These screenings are now available and are an important part of staying healthy for you and your family. Health care centers have put measures in place to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 infection to keep patients safe and ensure continued health. There are many safe and effective screening tests available, including colonoscopy as well as stool tests that can be done in the privacy of your own home.
“Book right now. Colon cancer polyps, they’re not going to wait for COVID,” Ferguson-Gould added.
Despite the challenges we face during the pandemic, regular colorectal cancer screening is important. If you had an appointment for screening that was postponed or canceled, talk to your health care team about rescheduling. If you are over age 40 (45 if non-Native) and haven’t been screened, contact your health care provider to discuss your screening options. Encourage your friends and family to get screened when they are due. Together we can reduce the burden of colorectal cancer throughout Alaska.