March is National Colorectal Cancer Month and according to the CDC, not counting some kinds of skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is the third most common cancer in men and in women. 

For most cancers, the goal is to find it early so the treatment will cure you. 

What makes screening for colon cancer different is that colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented before it becomes cancer.  Imagine. You will never have to treat it…if you prevent it.  

Here’s why. Colon cancer begins as abnormal cells inside of a polyp, which is a small growth inside the intestines. If you have a colonoscopy, the colon polyp can be removed before the cells turn into cancer. So you can actually “cure it” before you “get it.” 

I know you may not want a colonoscopy because it can be embarrassing, or awkward. I didn’t want one either. So I made a deal with my doctor; I would get a colonoscopy if the Red Sox won the world series. At the time of my bet, in 2004, the Red Sox hadn’t won a pennant in 83 years. I thought,  “I’m home free.” I was one of the few people in Boston who wasn’t excited when the Red Sox won.

Don’t be in the dark about colon cancer. Get a light…..at the end of your tunnel. Get a colonoscopy. That’s why this week’s song is Light at The End of Your Tunnel. I hope it will help nudge you to make that appointment if you are due or overdue. Do it when you turn 50, or even sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer. It could save your life. 

Click Here to listen to Light At The End of Your Tunnel.

Please share this with friends and family.  To listen to more Healthrock tunes visit healthrock.bandcamp.com/music. Your feedback is always appreciated!

Yours in  good health,

Dr. Mache

Mache Seibel MD