Colon Caner awareness month

Not many people know this, but March is Colon Cancer awareness month. As many of you know, colon cancer took the life of the Lewis Support Foundation's founder, Nick Lewis. He was only 34 years old. They may say get screened when you turn 50. But as I learned the hard way, cancer doesn't discriminate. You can be a young individual and it can still happen to you. 
There are signs that you could be diagnosed with colon cancer, however according to the American Cancer Society the symptoms often don't show until the cancer has spread or grown. Because of this, there are no symptoms in the earlier stages. It is suggested though that if there is a history of cancer in your family, its best to speak with your doctor about getting screened just in case. If you have other risk factors, such as a past diagnose of cancer, its better to be safe than sorry, and get a screening. 
We can't live in fear though. The best prevention usually is a healthy lifestyle. That means proper nutrients, exercise, spiritual health and well being. So until a cure can be found, we must be vigilant and supportive of those who are diagnosed with this disease as well as other forms of cancer.
 To help you stay vigilant, the American Cancer Society, as well as other health sites, have created a list of signs and symptoms that can indicate Colon Cancer. Please remember that this doesn't always mean that cancer is what's wrong, BUT, if your instincts are saying otherwise and some of the symptoms don't get any better, it maybe a good idea to get screened.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so

• Rectal bleeding

• Dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal)

• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain

• Weakness and fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

For more information about Colon Cancer signs and symptoms:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/signs-and-symptoms-of-colon-cancer

Fight the good fight.