Showing posts with label colon cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colon cancer. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2013

Getting Ready to Run!

2013 Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope Logo
Heather Ridley-Fleeman
It's March - National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - and we're getting ready for our annual race, the Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope. It was named in memory of a young woman from Northwest Arkansas who lost her life to colon cancer nine years ago. Over the years, proceeds from this event have helped us support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas with financial assistance, prescriptions, transportation, cancer screenings, and other services that benefit them as they go through treatment. More information about colorectal cancer can be found on our post from earlier this month.

This year in Arkansas, the American Cancer Society estimates that we will see 1,540 new cases of colon and rectal cancer, and 610 individuals will die from the disease.  
 
So, what can you do to help? Contrary to what the title of this post might lead you to believe, you don't actually have to run to support the event or the services of Hope Cancer Resources and cancer patients in our community. In addition to the 10k and 5k courses (certified by U.S. Track and Field), we have a 5k walk and 1-mile Family Fun Walk open for registration, as well as kids' races that are held on the track at the race starting location, the Old Tiger Stadium spot on the corner of Bella Vista Road and Tiger Boulevard.


View Larger Map

We understand if you'd rather stay in bed on Saturday morning and let someone else do the walking and running. You can still make a donation to the event through the secure donation link on the Hope Cancer Resources website here, or you can purchase a tribute sign in honor or memory of someone special on the race website here. The tribute signs will be placed along the race routes to help raise awareness of the very real impact that colon cancer has on people right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Tribute Sign Image
Example of a Battle for Hope Tribute Sign


Teams are always welcome, and will be competing for some great prizes for the Largest Team, Biggest Fundraising Team. Individuals who finish in the top 3 of their age brackets will receive gift certificates for Jose's Southwest Grill as well as a medal featuring this year's race logo. Registration deadline for teams is April 19th, and individual registration fees increase after that date, so get your folks together and get signed up!

In addition to the events, we will also be selling raffle tickets again this year, and you'll have the chance to win some awesome prizes. We already have Walton Arts Center tickets, bicycles, and gift certificates to local restaurants on the list, and more are being added every day. You can purchase tickets with your online registration, or on the day of the race.

For more information on the Battle for Hope, or to register or view pictures from prior years, please visit the event website at www.heathersraceforhope.com. You can also get the latest updates and news on the race Facebook page here! See you on May 4th!


Monday, March 4, 2013

Blue Ribbon Info

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as well as National Social Worker Appreciation Month. Both subjects are cause for celebration, but for different reasons of course...

Colorectal cancer incidences have been decreasing over the last two decades, and is now listed as the third most common cancer in men and women, where it used to rank in the number two spot. Screening tests have increased in availability and accessibility, and have played a significant role in this change.

Specifically, colorectal cancer screening tests that allow for the detection and removal of polyps have been found to be highly effective in preventing cancer. These polyps - whether or not they are cancerous upon removal - have been shown in research to eventually progress into colon cancer. Removing them when they are first seen has become standard procedure and is saving lives.

Colorectal cancer is difficult to detect in early stages without the aid of a test such as the colonoscopy, since it doesn't typically show any distinct symptoms. Advanced disease can be indicated by rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, decreased appetite, or weight loss. In some cases, loss of blood caused by the cancer can lead to anemia which causes its own symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. In recent years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in individuals under fifty years of age, so any of these symptoms in someone in that age bracket should cause enough concern to warrant a visit to the doctor for screening.

Current recommendations for colon cancer screening say to begin at age 50 for anyone at average risk for developing the disease. Recommendations on type of test and time interval changed in 2008 based on the American Cancer Society's collaboration with several other organizations. For the breakdown of the new recommendations click here.

Social Workers are the life-blood of many non-profit organizations - especially those, like Hope Cancer Resources, that provide services to people in the community. Not only do our social workers provide navigation for cancer patients who request assistance from us, but they also network into the community to help a patient find assistance that is not within the scope of our organization's mission.

Our services are provided to patients who are going through one of the most difficult times of their lives - cancer treatment. Not only can the disease and the treatment drain an individual's body of strength and stamina, but the emotional toll it takes on someone who has trouble finding the light at the end of the tunnel can be just as devastating. Our social workers address patients' emotional needs instantly, the very first time they meet with patients, and for some patients that's one of the most important services they receive: the providing of hope. Perhaps these quotes from grateful patients say it best:
"We thank you so very much for being there for Fred when we didn't think we had any hope." -- MSW
"I do not have the words to express how much you have meant to me and my family. Not only have you helped us financially, but you have also met so many emotional needs. Thank you does not seem like enough, but it is all I know to say."  -- KT
"Your generous assistance is so appreciated. Your help will not only help me with expenses, but help alleviate some of the stress and tension caused by such worries. Thank goodness for organizations like yours, ... literally saving patients from some of the stresses that can hinder recovery. Thank you!"  -- RR

We are proud of the work our social workers do every day to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas, and we honor all the social workers doing their work throughout the country. Take a minute to thank a social worker you know this week... you might meet one at your child's school, at the hospital, at the nursing home, at the local food bank or shelter, or even at a church or public service organization office. They're all doing great work every day.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Colonoscopies: What can you expect?

It's March - Colon Cancer Awareness Month - so we have been sharing information about colon cancer in this space, on Facebook and Twitter, and in our monthly e-newsletter. We've emphasized the need for awareness of the risks and symptoms, and provided information on recommended prevention methods. But we know that one of the most important things an individual can do to prevent colon cancer is also one of the least likely things an individual will do, simply because the thought of having it done makes most people uncomfortable.

Many of the misconceptions and fears regarding a colonoscopy stem from a basic ignorance of what the procedure entails, and how it's performed. To help ease some of those fears, we thought it might help to share a briefing on how to prepare for, and what to expect from a colonoscopy from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website:


How to Prepare for Colonoscopy

The doctor usually provides written instructions about how to prepare for colonoscopy. The process is called a bowel prep. Generally, all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal tract by following a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. Patients should not drink beverages containing red or purple dye. Acceptable liquids include:
  • fat-free bouillon or broth
  • strained fruit juice
  • water
  • plain coffee
  • plain tea
  • sports drinks, such as Gatorade
  • gelatin
A laxative or an enema may be required the night before colonoscopy. A laxative is medicine that loosens stool and increases bowel movements. Laxatives are usually swallowed in pill form or as a powder dissolved in water. An enema is performed by flushing water, or sometimes a mild soap solution, into the anus using a special wash bottle.

Patients should inform the doctor of all medical conditions and any medications, vitamins, or supplements taken regularly, including:
  • aspirin
  • arthritis medications
  • blood thinners
  • diabetes medications
  • vitamins that contain iron
Driving is not permitted for 24 hours after colonoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off. Before the appointment, patients should make plans for a ride home.

How is colonoscopy performed?

Examination of the Large Intestine

During colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side on an examination table. In most cases, a light sedative, and possibly pain medication, helps keep patients relaxed. Deeper sedation may be required in some cases (Tip: don't hesitate to ask your doctor about this option if you are interested). The doctor and medical staff will monitor vital signs and attempt to make patients as comfortable as possible.
Drawing of a female colonoscopy patient lying on her left side on an examination table.
The doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope, or scope, into the anus and slowly guides it through the rectum and into the colon. The scope inflates the large intestine with carbon dioxide gas to give the doctor a better view. A small camera mounted on the scope transmits a video image from inside the large intestine to a computer screen, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the intestinal lining. The doctor may ask the patient to move periodically so the scope can be adjusted for better viewing.

Once the scope has reached the opening to the small intestine, it is slowly withdrawn and the lining of the large intestine is carefully examined again. Bleeding and puncture of the large intestine are possible but uncommon complications of colonoscopy.

Removal of Polyps and Biopsy

A doctor can remove growths, called polyps, during colonoscopy and later test them in a laboratory for signs of cancer. Polyps are common in adults and are usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancer begins as a polyp, so removing polyps early is an effective way to prevent cancer.

The doctor can also take samples from abnormal-looking tissues during colonoscopy. The procedure, called a biopsy, allows the doctor to later look at the tissue with a microscope for signs of disease.

The doctor removes polyps and takes biopsy tissue using tiny tools passed through the scope. If bleeding occurs, the doctor can usually stop it with an electrical probe or special medications passed through the scope. Tissue removal and the treatments to stop bleeding are usually painless.

Recovery

Colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Cramping or bloating may occur during the first hour after the procedure. (This is due to the carbon dioxide used to inflate the colon.) The sedative takes time to completely wear off. Patients may need to remain at the clinic for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure. Full recovery is expected by the next day. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.

Patients who develop any of these rare side effects should contact their doctor immediately:
  • severe abdominal pain
  • fever
  • bloody bowel movements
  • dizziness
  • weakness

There are many stories in the news this month about the value of getting a colonoscopy, and some, like this one, that detail personal experiences with the screening test. Across the board, the most common complaint patients share about the procedure is the colon prep that requires patients to drink a gallon of less-than-delightful liquid to clean out the colon. Colon cancer is the 2nd most deadly form of cancer, and the 3rd most diagnosed form of cancer in men and women in the United States. Surely a day of unpleasant preparation is worth the effort when compared to the alternative - a diagnosis of colon cancer.

For information about our Save-A-Life program that assists patients with the costs of colonoscopies and other cancer screening tests, contact Christina Bostian at 479-361-5847 or by email.


Monday, March 5, 2012

March Colon Cancer Awareness

For many years, we have been spreading the word about colon cancer screenings and their potential to save lives. Recently, our claims were backed up in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to an article printed in the New York Times, the results of a research study show a correlation between colonoscopies with polyp removal and a 53% reduction in deaths from the disease. The five-year survival rate for colon cancer found in an early, localized stage is 90%. Now, we just have to convince more people to get screened.

Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is the third most common cancer in both men and women as well as the third most deadly. While incidence rates have been decreasing for most of the past twenty years (colon cancer used to be the number two cancer killer), increased awareness and prevention education is still vital because early stages of the disease do not typically show any symptoms. And, while the number of total diagnoses has been declining, the number of younger adults being diagnosed has been on the rise. Knowing your risks, the symptoms, and how to get screened in a timely manner is potentially life-saving knowledge.

"What are my risks?"
The biggest risk of colon cancer is associated with age. According to the American Cancer Society, 91% of cases are diagnosed in people 50 years of age and older. Other medical or hereditary factors that increase your risk include a family history of the disease, a personal history of other colon-related diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions. Studies have also found that people with type-2 diabetes are at higher risk.

Non-medical, and easily modifiable risks include obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in red or processed meats, alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, and possibly very low intake of fruits and vegetables. Consumption of milk and calcium and higher blood levels of vitamin D appear to decrease colorectal cancer risk in research studies.

"What are the symptoms?"
As we mentioned before, early stages of colon cancer typically do not show any symptoms, which is why screenings are so important. More advanced stages of the disease may cause rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. In some cases, anemia can result from blood loss within the bowel, which would cause symptoms such as weakness and excessive fatigue.

Recommendations:
Beginning at age 50, your doctor should start encouraging you to get a colonoscopy. If the results show no polyps or areas of interest, you should plan to schedule another screening in ten years unless you have risk factors that would suggest more frequent follow up screenings. Discuss your personal follow up plans with your physician.

Another screening option is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) that can be done at home in the privacy of your own bathroom. Throughout the month of March we have FOBT kits available at no cost. Simply stop by our office at 5835 W. Sunset in Springdale to pick one up, and follow the directions on the package.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above in yourself or your loved ones, you should pursue evaluation by a medical professional as soon as possible. If your doctor prescribes a screening test and you are unable to pay for one, contact our Save-A-Life program coordinator, Christina Bostian, for information on how to apply for assistance from Hope Cancer Resources. We're here for Northwest Arkansas with support for the journey and education for life. 





Monday, March 14, 2011

Prevention and Early Detection Save Lives!!

We've been talking a lot lately about prevention and early detection being important keys to reducing your risk for cancers of any type, but this month we're backing up that talk with action! We are providing free colon cancer screening kits to anyone in Northwest Arkansas who asks for one, so come by to pick one up! In fact, be a true friend and get one for everyone you know. Sure, that sounds a little weird, if not downright awkward... handing out colon screening kits isn't something you usually do after a great session of Zumba with the girls or a couple of rounds of golf with the guys. But we're talking about a cancer that kills approximately 50,000 Americans each year

Here are a few myths from the American Cancer Society about colorectal cancer that might make it easier to consider a screening:

Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man's disease. 

Truth: Colorectal cancer is just as common among women as men. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. - number 3 on the lists for both men and women.

Myth: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.

Truth: In many cases colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts. These tests find polyps: double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).

To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:
  • Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
  • Be physically active.
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
  • Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.

Myth: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.

Truth: African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other U.S. racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.

Myth: It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it's deadly anyway.

Truth: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it is found and treated early (while it is small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.

The screening kits we have available are easy to use, and did we mention they're FREE??

And just as a reminder, here's where we talk about signs and symptoms of colon cancer. No matter your age, if you are experiencing any of these please talk to your doctor and get screened. Younger people are often diagnosed in later stages of the disease just because their symptoms were mis-diagnosed. You owe it to yourself and the people who love you to do what you can to prevent cancer.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

It's March - Do you know if your colon is healthy?




 Probably one of the last things anyone wants to talk about is bowel habits. It's not a subject that comes up in conversation often unless we're talking about new babies or ill-mannered pets. But March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month so that means we're going to drag it out of the (water) closet and give you a few things to think about.

Typically, when a person passes their fiftieth birthday their doctor will begin recommending a yearly colonoscopy to evaluate their colon health. This stems from the fact that most colon cancer diagnoses occur in people over the age of fifty. Since most cases of colo-rectal cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps, and since early stages of colon cancer can be symptom-free, it's just a good idea to have someone actually take a look. As with most types of cancer, the earlier this disease is found, the more likely it is that the patient will make a full recovery. Waiting until you actually have symptoms can reduce your odds of beating it.

SYMPTOMS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED AT ANY AGE:
  • A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
  • A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

Colo-rectal cancer in younger people is often misdiagnosed because of its tendency to be thought of as an older-person's disease. Since the symptoms listed above can also be signs of other disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac's disease, iron deficiency, or peritonitis, it's not uncommon for doctors to attempt to treat one of those in younger people before ordering invasive tests. If your doctor is treating you for one of these or another disorder and your symptoms are not improving, don't be afraid to get a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion.

Get the facts about colo-rectal cancer, know your risks and the symptoms to watch for, and find out if your colon is as healthy as you think it is!

Monday, May 10, 2010

2010 Heather Ridley Fleeman Battle for Hope

May 1st dawned about an hour after the first volunteers and staff arrived at Old Tiger Stadium, and when it started getting lighter in the East we were happy to see it was overcast, but there was no impending rain. In 2009 the Battle for Hope was held in a fairly heavy constant downpour of rain. In 2008, the morning temperatures were in 30s. Lucky for us, runners seem to enjoy adverse weather conditions - it's just tough on the volunteers and staff.

We are working on getting all the photos up on our Flickr account, but here are a few to give you an idea of what a great day it was. Special thanks goes out to all of our volunteers, our staff, and the sponsors who made this event so awesome. We raised over $40,000.00
this year that will go directly to assisting and educating cancer patients and the community of Northwest Arkansas. Thank you!!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Just Around the Corner!


We are busy this week making last minute plans for the Heather Ridley Fleeman Battle for Hope scheduled for this Saturday, May 1st at Old Tiger Stadium in Bentonville. Banners to pick up, prizes to get sorted and assigned, volunteers to train... it's a little crazy, but it's going to be a great event!

If you don't know already, the Battle for Hope is named in honor of a young woman from Bentonville who lost her battle with colon cancer at the young age of 28. She had struggled with bowel issues for several years before she was finally diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer. It wasn't suspected due to her young age and the absence of a family history of the disease. The race was created to raise awareness of this deadly cancer - the 2nd deadliest form cancer affecting men and women in the U.S. (lung cancer is #1) and one of the most preventable and detectable.

Hope Cancer Resources offers free colon cancer screening packets annually during Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, but throughout the year we also have a program to assist the uninsured and underinsured to receive colon cancer screenings. Too often, insurance companies will not pay for a colonoscopy if the patient is under the age of 50, placing the burden of payment - which can amount to around $1,000.00 - upon the patient. How many of us have that kind of cash lying around? Our Save-A-Life program tries to alleviate some of that stress.

There are, of course, outward signs of colon cancer. They include blood in the stool, unusual weight loss, and extreme fatigue. But by the time the patient encounters these symptoms, it can be too late for complete recovery. That's why we are so committed to helping people get screened early, and often. The kits we offer are discreet and can be taken to a lab by the patient themselves.

So, what are you doing this weekend? We have a slight chance of getting a little rain on Saturday, but nothing like we had last Saturday. We will be there, rain or shine. Please join us to support our assistance and educational programs, and to bring attention to the need for early colon cancer detection! See you there!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

What are you doing May 1st? 

Now that you've read our post about March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, you've probably gotten your free screening kit and taken care of the immediate need of being aware of your own risk and current situation... but we know you've been thinking "Gee, I wish I could do something that will help others with their battles..." Fortunately, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

The 6th annual Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope is set for May 1st this year, and we are going to have a great turnout of runners and walkers all raising awareness of colon cancer in our community and supporting the screening, assistance and education programs available free-of-charge through Hope Cancer Resources. There will be 10k & 5k races, a 5k walk, a 1-mile family fun walk, and kids' races. Something for everyone!

You can find more information about the event on the race website - including the story of Heather Ridley-Fleeman, the young woman for whom the race is named. She died at age 28 after several years of colon issues, doctor visits, and finally a diagnosis of Stage IV colon cancer. She wasn't in the highest risk group for the disease since she was in her 20's, which led to her diagnosis being delayed. We don't want anyone else to suffer what Heather suffered, but that's going to mean getting the word out about early detection and frequent screenings. Don't wait until you're 50! Don't wait until you are experiencing symptoms of the disease! Early detection can happen before you have any symptoms, and it can save your life.

You can register for the race online on the event website. If you can't join us, but would still like to support our efforts, feel free to make an online donation. You can even start your own fundraising page! Every dime raised will stay in Northwest Arkansas and be used to help your friends, neighbors and possibly your loved ones. If you have any questions about the event, please contact us at 479-361-5847. 

See you there!!

Monday, March 1, 2010

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

Colon cancer is probably not the most popular lunchtime topic for you and your co-workers. Nor is it likely that you'll be chatting about fecal blood tests with your neighbor as you trim your lilac bushes. It's an uncomfortable subject due in part to the manner in which it's detected. Subjects involving bodily functions are uncomfortable to discuss with medical professionals - let alone people you see more than once a year while wearing more than a couple of yards of cotton fabric.

Perhaps it's the reluctance we have about discussing it that makes colon cancer the #2 cancer killer in the United States - second only to lung cancer. In fact, there are approximately 150,000 new cases diagnosed every year in this country, with over 50,000 deaths resulting. 


Do we have your attention yet? 

Here are a few more facts we've collected. Feel free to throw them around while chatting with your friends... they may look at you funny, but if it helps even one of them catch colorectal cancer early - it will be worth the risk of being talked about behind your back or uninvited to happy-hour for a couple of weeks, we promise.
  • The lifetime risk for an American to get CRC is 1 in 19 for both men and women.
  • Annual screening with a proven Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) can lead to the detection and removal of polyps and reduce the risk of getting CRC by 20%.
  • Annual screeting by FOBT can help reduce the number of deaths from CRC by 15-33%.
  • The five-year survival rate from CRC is about 90% when the disease is detected early, compared to only 11% when it is detected in a later stage.
  • Annual screening with a proven FOBT can detect 90% of CRC cases in average risk individuals; i.e., those who are age 50 and older and have no symptoms.  
To highlight the preventable nature of this disease, we are giving away free screening kits at Hope Cancer Resources throughout the month of March. You can come by our office in Springdale, Arkansas, or you can contact Rebekah Billingsley, our Community Cancer Education Coordinator, to request a kit to be mailed to you. Rebekah can also provide more information about screenings we provide through our Community Outreach Programs. 

Additional information about colorectal cancer can be found at one of these websites: 
The Colon Cancer Alliance
American College of Gastroenterology
Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Information
The Colon Club

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

2009 Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for HOPE

Another Battle for HOPE, another weekend of crazy spring weather! Last year our runners, walkers and volunteers braved freezing temperatures to show their support for HOPE and the need for education and awareness of colon cancer prevention methods, this year it was pouring rain.

After a last-minute flurry of registrations, Outdoor Cap won the prize for Largest Team with 41 participants, narrowly beating out Team Frito Flash with 38. As the largest team, Outdoor Cap will receive a cookout at their office compliments of Signature Bank of Bentonville.

Geraldine Mansch won the Top Fundraiser prize, and her Team Hodge Podge will celebrate raising the most money with free passes to bowl at Fast Lane Entertainment in Rogers.

Please take a look at all the generous sponsors for this year's event that made it all possible.

Even with the lousy economy and the nasty weather we raised just over $33,000.00 to be used locally to support HOPE's patient assistance programs. We offer financial and emotional assistance to people living or being treated for cancer in Northwest Arkansas. More information can be found at our website.

Thanks to all of our volunteers for doing such a GREAT job in the rain! And special thanks to our event steering committee - without them, this event would never happen:

Kris Addington
Trent Addington
Tiffany Baird
Missy Brewer
Tara Goates
Laurie Marshall
Shawn Mayfield
Mandy Silberstein
Rick Bostian
Kim Tisdale

Mark your calendars - next year's date is May 1, 2010!!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Colon Cancer - deadly, but preventable!

Most physicians will recommend you begin getting regular colonoscopy's when you're around 50 years old. But don't let that fool you into believing that you are not at risk for colon cancer before that age... just ask some of the people who have posed for the annual Colondar put together by The Colon Club. They all faced a colon cancer diagnosis before they turned 50.


Know the symptoms, don't be afraid to discuss your concerns with your doctor if you recognize them in your own body, and get screened!


Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
  • A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks;

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool;

  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain;

  • Abdominal pain with a bowel movement;

  • A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely;

  • Weakness or fatigue;

  • Unexplained weight loss.

Join us on May 2nd to help raise awareness of the need for early detection of this nasty disease. We'll be running and walking, getting free massages from Blue Cliff College, eating snacks from Frito Lay and Little Debbie, and listening to some great music provided by Clear Channel. All events will be held at or around the old Tiger Stadium site in Bentonville, and more information can be found at the event website.