Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH! 1

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Are you over 50? Or over 40 with a family history of colon cancer? Learn about the importance of screening colonoscopy, and, call 855-UMASS-MD to book yours today.

3 Talk to your family about colon cancer and have everyone do a risk assessment.

Meet the Doc Monday: Dr. Justin Maykel

8 Daylight savings time 9

Meet the Doc Monday: Dr. Karim Alavi

begins! Do you get enough vitamin D? The body makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun; vitamin D supports your immune system and helps keep your colon healthy.

15 Don’t miss tomorrow’s free Colorectal Cancer Symposium at 4:30.

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16Meet the Doc Monday: Dr. Jennifer Davids

Did you know colon cancer is increasing among younger people? Learn more, and listen to Sarah’s story.

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Meet the Doc Monday: Dr. Paul Sturrock

Meet the Doc Hemorrhoids can cause rectal Monday: bleeding and should Dr. W. Brian Sweeney be taken care of. Blood in your stool is another matter altogether. Talk to your doctor about both.

10 What happens during a colonoscopy? Learn what to expect and how to prepare.

17 It’s St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t count on four-leaf clovers and luck to keep you cancer-free. Get your screening colonoscopy.

24 Learn about laparoscopy: easier surgery for colon cancer.

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Symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, bloating and discomfort. Read more or call your doctor.

11 Bill had colon cancer. Listen to his story.

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What does a colonoscopy look for? Polyps. Here’s what you need to know about them.

25 Stress can cause digestive problems. Learn how to prevent stress-related illnesses.

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It’s March 5th. Learn 5 habits for better colon health.

6 It’s Fiber Friday!

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Dietary fiber supports digestive and colon health. Do you get enough? Take our quiz!

Polyp Pop Quiz! What are polyps, and are they all dangerous?

12 Eliminate

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processed meats and cut back on red meats or meats cooked at high temperatures. Listen to this podcast about nutrition for a healthy colon.

Beans are naturally rich in fiber, so they really get things moving through your digestive tract. That produces gas; just open a window.

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20 It’s Fiber Friday! 21

Tomorrow’s the first day of spring! Go outside and exercise. Regular exercise cuts your chances of developing larger, more advanced colon polyps by 30%.

At dinner time, go for brown rice (not white!) a baked potato with skin, or crunchy vegetables. The darker the color, the higher the fiber.

Weight matters: Obesity increases your risk of colon cancer, while unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer. Talk to your doctor about both.

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It’s Fiber Friday! Snack attack? Popcorn’s a good source of fiber. As for nuts, go for almonds, Did we mention screening? Check out pecans and walnuts over your options. other choices.

Can an aspirin a day keep colon cancer away? Read more and talk to your doctor.

Everything going OK? Learn more about your bowel movements.

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Call two friends and tell them how easy your colonoscopy was. Better yet, tell all your Facebook friends and family!

Call 855-UMASS-MD for more information or to schedule your colonoscopy.

UMassMemorial Health Care


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