As a mom, my top priority is keeping my family healthy and safe. But what happens when the threat isn’t something you can see coming? My grandparents both passed away from colorectal cancer, and my dad had a terrifying cancer scare himself. Thankfully, with regular colonoscopies, he’s managing his health, but it was a wake-up call for me too. I’m only 49, and I’ve already had two colonoscopies. Why? Because I know my risk, and I’m not willing to gamble with it.
As parents, we make countless decisions for our kids. We think about their future, their safety, and their well-being. But how often do we stop and think about ourselves? You’ve probably heard it before, but let me remind you: we cannot care for our families if we don’t care for ourselves. Colorectal cancer is not something you want to leave unchecked. It’s not something you can put off. Trust me, I know the fear of sitting in a doctor’s office, wondering if it’s too late. You don’t want to be there, and your family doesn’t want to lose you because something could have been caught early.
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Did you know that colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger people? It’s not just something to worry about after age 50 anymore. With this shift, it’s more important than ever to know your family’s health history. Reese Pharmaceutical’s “Know Your CRC History” campaign is doing something remarkable—they’re encouraging families to use holiday gatherings to talk about colorectal cancer history. It’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s one that could save your life. Your life and your other family members need to have this conversation, being together during the holidays presents perfect timing to all get on the same page.
We often get caught up in the joy of holidays, but why not take a few minutes to check in on the health history of those we love? Do you know if your family has a history of colorectal cancer? It could mean that you need to start screening earlier, or more frequently, like I have. It’s not just about you—knowing your risk helps you make informed decisions about your health (to ensure you’re around for your kids to watch them grow).
And here’s something else to consider: getting screened doesn’t have to mean scheduling a colonoscopy right away. Reese is making it easier than ever to take that first step with their ColoTest, an at-home FIT test. This test, now available at CVS, Walmart, Amazon, and local drug stores, can detect hidden blood in the stool, a key early indicator of colon cancer. It’s non-invasive, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Why not take advantage of the convenience and peace of mind that comes with early detection?
In fact, doctors from Ohio State recently published a study showing just how effective these tests are across different groups of people, no matter their background. They’re working to get the word out, and I’m here to help spread that message too. FIT tests are proven to reduce colorectal cancer death rates, but they’re still underused. Imagine the lives we could save if more families took this simple step.
The numbers are alarming. According to the American Cancer Society, around 20,000 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with colon cancer every year. For men, it’s now the leading cause of cancer deaths in this age group, and for women, it’s the second leading cause. These are not just numbers. They represent young lives—moms, dads, sisters, brothers—people who could have been saved with early detection.
Don’t wait. Don’t think you’re too young or that it can’t happen to you. Talk to your family, especially as the holidays approach. Share your family’s health history, and encourage each other to get screened. If you’re not sure where to start, Reese offers an online screening quiz that can help you determine your risk and what screening is right for you. Just start, now.
As a mom, my worst fear is not being there for my kids. I know that fear can paralyze us, but it can also motivate us to take action. Please, take a few minutes out of your busy schedule for self-care that could save your life. Whether it’s through a colonoscopy or an at-home FIT test, make screening a priority.
For your kids. For your family. For yourself. Let’s make sure we’re around for all the milestones that matter. Get screened. Know your risk. And take control of your health today.
