The Federation of Lutheran Churches
of Cincinnati and Vicinity (LCMS)


Parish Nurse Program
Health Focus Article For March 2011
Colorectal Cancer
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."  
John 11:25-26
Just say the word “cancer” and we are griped with paralyzing fear and dread.  Some comedians make light of death and dying, but for those of us who have cancer or have a loved one who has cancer, it is no laughing matter.  So, why is it that many of us put off having life saving diagnostic testing and continue to live life-styles that increase the chance of developing cancer?  God has blessed us with technologies that can diagnose life-threatening diseases and conditions in their early stages and with experts that tell us how to live healthy lives.  Shouldn’t we make good use of these gifts? Maybe it is the tendency to be in denial that bad things can happen to us  - or the fear of finding out that is has.  Either way, it is not wise to put off taking care of the bodies God has given us.

March is Colorectal Cancer month.  Here is some information to help you stay informed and healthy.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum and is the third most common cancer in the U.S. It usually begins as a polyp — a clump of tissue in the colon or rectal lining — that grows slowly over many years. It’s as common in women as it is in men. 
 
Some risk factors for colon and rectal cancer are unavoidable — including age, family history, and ethnic or racial background, but eating a diet high in red or processed meat, lack of exercise, smoking, and other lifestyle choices can also put you at higher risk for this disease. 

With certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps before they become cancerous. Several screening tests detect colorectal cancer early. One needs to start getting screened at age 50. If you’re at higher risk, you may need to start regular screening at an earlier age and be screened more often. If you’re older than 75, ask your doctor if you should continue to be screened. The best time to get screened is before you have any symptoms.

For more detailed information on risk factors, symptoms, tests and treatments: 

www.preventcancer.org/colorectal

I heard one comedian joke, “None of us are going to get out of this world alive.”  While this is true, he gave no words of comfort or hope. Jesus did. In the Bible verse above, he gives us a promise:  even though we die a physical death, those who believe in Jesus never die,-  we just transition into his presence where there will be no need for cancer cures.

Blessings,
Deaconess Sharon
updated March, 2011