Colon Cancer Prevention New Year's Resolutions!

The coming of a new year is an exhilarating time! With hopes and ambitions, the start of 2023 gives us all the opportunity to reflect on the past year, set goals, and start anew. Healthy lifestyle resolutions are among the most popular New Year’s resolutions. This year, you too can resolve to live a healthier life! With a little hope, determination, and support, you can make 2023 your healthiest year yet!

Here are five health resolutions for you and your family to help prevent colorectal cancer!

1. Obtain a colorectal screening if you are 45-75 years of age

2. Reduce or eliminate alcohol and tobacco

3. Reduce your intake of red meat

4. Know your family history

5. Exercise daily

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among American Indian men and women in New Mexico. It is also one of the most preventable cancers! Colorectal cancer often starts quietly, with no warning. In the early stages, there are hardly any noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms of colorectal cancer become present in later stages, often when the disease has progressed significantly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your Primary Care Provider to obtain a colorectal cancer screening :

• Blood in or on a stool

• Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away

• Unexplained weight loss

Routine screening saves lives! Screening for this disease is essential and can be the difference between life and death. When colorectal cancer is detected early, it is easier to treat, and the outcomes are more favorable. American Indian men and women ages 45 to 75 should have one of the following screening:

• The FIT Test (Fecal Immunochemical Test), which is a yearly self-test

• A colonoscopy, which is a procedure to check the entire colon and is completed every ten years

The number of new cases of colorectal cancer among Native Americans has continued to rise yearly since 2000. More than 5 out of 10 American Indians with colorectal cancer are diagnosed at late stages, which lowers survival. If you are interested in obtaining a FIT Test or learning more about colorectal cancer prevention, call the Jemez Comprehensive Health Clinic at (575)834-7413. Take charge of your health and make colorectal screening a part of your new year’s resolution checklist!

Colorectal Trivia

Which is a symptom of Colorectal Cancer?

a. Unexplained weight loss

b. Lower back pain

c. Bloody stools

d. Weight loss due to diet and exercise

e. Both A and C

Late stages of Colorectal Cancer do not have any symptoms.

a. True

b. False

Which is the most common cancer among American Indian men and women?

a. Kidney

b. Lung

c. Colorectal

d. Liver

Since 2000 the number of new cases of colorectal cancer among Native Americans in New Mexico has been rising yearly.

a. False

b. True

Give our trivia a try and be entered into a drawing for a Jemez Public Health water bottle, journal and pen! Submit your answers in the comment section below by COB Friday, December 30, 2022, to be entered into the drawing!

A new year means a new chapter! We hope 2023 is a great part of your story!

Jemez Public Health