All cancers are horrible and most people are afraid to be tested for them. This is especially true for colon cancer. Actress Meryl Streep is hoping to chase these fears away by starring in a new nationwide Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging the public to screen for colorectal cancer.
Since March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to premiere the PSA on the Katie Couric Show on March 13. Katie's husband died from the disease at the age of 42. On the PSA Streep asks the public to take the test for this second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. in men and women.
"Over the years I have played some characters you could call controlling, but the truth is, there's so much in life we can't control," she says. "But here's something we can: colorectal cancer."
According to the Huffington Post other celebrities have spoken up for the "Screen for Life" campaign like Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton. The campaign is a joint effort between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.
The National Cancer institute reports approximately 102,480 new cases of colorectal cancer and 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer are expected to develop this year. Nearly 51,000 people are estimated to die.
There are a few ways to screen for colorectal cancer: a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal occult blood testing. It is encouraged to start screening at age 50 until age 75.
These screenings are not painful and being a little shy should never stop anyone from making sure they don't have this cancer. Having colon cancer is much worse than being embarrassed for a few minutes.
Here's a clip from Meryl Streep's PSA. Please watch it and think about getting screened.
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Comments: 7
Thank you for your comment. I personally hope that people read your comment and know that there's nothing much to it.
When I had this done, I read up on it. Apparently the way it works is: Commonly polyps develop, some of which may be precancerous. The real danger is in not removing them before they grow through the colon wall where cancer spreads.
By pure coincidence, I read this morning about suggestion that older people 75 and up, may do well to consider that colon cancers are slow developing and may take up to ten years. (I asked my performing doctor about this, and he said that can vary greatly), so for some very old people in frail condition, the procedure may be more of an issue than the potential cancer risk. BUT THAT's only for the very old.
Many people are embarrassed about having the procedure done. It's true that it's done by a doctor who has seen it all before but some people still don't like having it done.
Colon cancer can be very slow growing. I'm sure my sister's cancer started years before she was diagnosed. For older people it probably isn't worth having the procedure. Even if cancer is found should a 75 year old have to go through the treatments? I guess if they wanted to but the chemo is harsh and having a colon resectioned is a tough operation.
I think people have to realize that no matter how healthy they think you are, or if they exercise daily, and eat right, that does not mean they're cancer free! Look at Dr. Oz. He thought he was in top physical condition and was shocked when he found out he had polyps that were precancerous.
During the last few months of my sister's life she was more worried about me than for herself. She came to terms with the fact that she was dying but was afraid how I would continue without her. We were very close.
People should have the screening done, if not for themselves then for the people who love them.
Thanks for sharing all the information, Robert.