Page 14 - Stuart Exposure - March '25

Page 14, Stuart Exposure
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health News

Colon Cancer Screenings – At What Age Should You Get Your First Colonoscopy? What About People Who Are At Higher Risk Of Colon
Cancer?
What exactly is a colonoscopy?

When To Start During the procedure, healthcare providers use a What makes you high risk? Risk factors that are beyond your
flexible camera to look inside your colon and rectum. control include:
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal And for most people, the colon cancer screening age • Being older
cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. starts at 45. The current recommendation is mainly for • A history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory
While the number of overall colorectal cancer- average-risk individuals, meaning those who don’t have bowel disease (IBD)
related deaths has actually been dropping for several a family history of colorectal cancer or symptoms. With • A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
decades thanks to more people getting regular colon colorectal cancer, there are a number of risk factors. Some • Having a hereditary cancer syndrome like Lynch syndrome or
cancer screenings and advances in treatments, colorectal can be reduced while others are beyond your control. familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
cancer for people under 50 has been increasing. Why? Risk factors that you can manage include: • Your race or ethnic background
Researchers aren’t sure and are investigating. • Being overweight • Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
So, when should you get a colonoscopy? • Not exercising regularly If you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer,
Since 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, • Too much red or processed meats in your diet inflammatory bowel disease or a hereditary cancer syndrome,
an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in • Not enough vitamin D in your diet you’d be considered higher risk and might need to be screened
prevention and evidence-based medicine, recommends • Smoking before the age of 45.
that colorectal cancer screenings start at age 45, as • Heavy alcohol use Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is
compared to the prior recommendation of age 50. You should watch out for rectal bleeding, changes in about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. The hope is that
A colonoscopy screening doesn’t only detect cancer bowel movements (meaning going from having frequent these newer guidelines will increase screenings and help identify
but it can also help prevent cancer by finding polyps that ones to being constipated or having diarrhea), abdominal health issues before they become severe, allowing for more
can be removed before they have a chance to turn into pain and weight loss. If you’re experiencing these effective treatment and better outcomes.
cancer. symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately for You may be able to schedule a colonoscopy at Cleveland
a diagnosis. Clinic in Stuart or Port St. Lucie without an office visit. Visit
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Colonoscopy to learn more.

Honoring from page 13

Studies show today’s girls are not spending enough time
outdoors. However, the proceeds from Emerald Awards
Martin County and the community’s generous support, Camp
Welaka provides girls with a transformative environment
where they can build confidence, develop independence and
forge lifelong friendships through traditional camp activities.
Located on 640 beautiful acres within Jonathan Dickinson
State Park in Tequesta, Fla., Camp Welaka offers girls the
opportunity to explore nature through outdoor activities such
as swimming, canoeing, archery and outdoor skills in a safe,
girl-led setting where they can step out of their comfort zones Senator Gayle Harrell and Jennifer
and discover their true potential. Mary Gavin and Lisa Johnson Hollani Davis and John McGowan Atkisson
Ruby Sponsor of the 2025 Emerald Award Martin County
was Publix Super Market Charities; Award Sponsors were
Amazon, HCA Florida Healthcare and Florida Power &
Light; PNC Bank was the Valet Sponsor; LaCroix Water
was the Beverage Sponsor; Table Sponsors were NAACP of
Martin County Branch 5085B and Tammy Stefanovic; and
JSS Marketing and Public Relations was a Friend of Girl
Scouts Sponsor.
About Girl Scouts
We are the preeminent leadership development
organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a
go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power
to change the world. More than any other organization in
our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers
girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command
their future, engage their communities and inspire others. We
offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership,
adventure and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida
serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin,
St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl
Scouts, call (561) 427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.
Photos by Steven Martine Photography

Answer for

Crossword Puzzle