March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and Family Pharmacy wants people to be aware of the risk of the disease.
The McComb pharmacy along with Fred’s Pharmacy are giving away free colorectal kits while supplies last.
The kits, by EZ Detect, come with three strips, to be used as tests on three different bowel movements. If blood is detected in a person’s stool, then he or she should contact their family doctor.
Family Pharmacy Marketing Director Kimberly Wooley wants people to know this is not a diagnosis, only a red flag.
“We want to help increase awareness of colon cancer. If something is found, then a person knows their next steps,” Wooley said.
She said the patient is responsible for interpreting the results of the kit.
The American Cancer Society recommends men and women between 40 and 50 years old get screened for colon cancer.
Wooley said the risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer increases at the age of 40 and again once individuals reach the age of 50.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in America. It has a 90 percent rate of survival if caught early.
According to the ACS website, 133,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year and 49,000 are projected to die from the disease.
The biggest misconception of colon cancer is it is only occurs in men. Women can also be diagnosed with colon cancer.
African-Americans have the highest rates of colon cancer of any race in the United States, and Jews of Eastern European descent have the second highest rate.
Wooley said the lifestyle plays a major part in a diagnosis. Obesity, smoking and diets high in fat are a few factors.
Colon cancer can also be hereditary. If someone in a person’s family has been diagnosed with the disease, it is a good idea for relatives to get tested.
“Early detection saves lives,” Wooley said.
