1/
Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer at 43.
I am sad that this talented brother lost his earthly life to this disease at such a young age.
Most of us don't know the details of the screening, diagnosis, and treatment journey he endured.
#ColonCancer
#SaturdayThoughts
Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer at 43.
I am sad that this talented brother lost his earthly life to this disease at such a young age.
Most of us don't know the details of the screening, diagnosis, and treatment journey he endured.
#ColonCancer
#SaturdayThoughts
2/
What I do know is that according to the @AmericanCancer, colon cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45.
I also know that Black people suffer disproportionate health inequities related to colon cancer compared to other races/ethnicities.
What I do know is that according to the @AmericanCancer, colon cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45.
I also know that Black people suffer disproportionate health inequities related to colon cancer compared to other races/ethnicities.
4/
But here's the thing.
Colon cancer screening is recommended because many times you may not have symptoms until it has spread throughout the body.
The earlier you catch it, the better your chances are that surgery and other treatments can work.
cancer.org/cancer/colon-r…
But here's the thing.
Colon cancer screening is recommended because many times you may not have symptoms until it has spread throughout the body.
The earlier you catch it, the better your chances are that surgery and other treatments can work.
cancer.org/cancer/colon-r…
5/
So for everyone out there, please read the @AmericanCancer guidelines on colon cancer screening attached to this tweet.
If you are near 45 years old or above, get screened.
But seek screening earlier if you are considered at "higher risk" - meaning if you have...
So for everyone out there, please read the @AmericanCancer guidelines on colon cancer screening attached to this tweet.
If you are near 45 years old or above, get screened.
But seek screening earlier if you are considered at "higher risk" - meaning if you have...
6/
- A family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)...
- A family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)...
7/
- A family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of radiation to the belly or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
- A family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of radiation to the belly or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
8/
For my fellow Black people - know all that, PLUS:
- copy the @AmericanCancer colon cancer screening guidelines on this tweet to your phone.
- ask your healthcare provider about screening
- do not let them turn you away if you are 45 or meet criteria for earlier screening...
For my fellow Black people - know all that, PLUS:
- copy the @AmericanCancer colon cancer screening guidelines on this tweet to your phone.
- ask your healthcare provider about screening
- do not let them turn you away if you are 45 or meet criteria for earlier screening...
9/
- show them the @AmericanCancer guidelines if they fight you
- speak to the clinic director if they still will not refer you for screening.
- go elsewhere if you need to
Sad that I have to recommend these final things, but, well, you know...
#racism and #medicalbias
- show them the @AmericanCancer guidelines if they fight you
- speak to the clinic director if they still will not refer you for screening.
- go elsewhere if you need to
Sad that I have to recommend these final things, but, well, you know...
#racism and #medicalbias
10/
Colon cancer screening is mandated by law to be covered by all private insurance companies and Medicare.
This means you should have no deductibles or co-pays for this recommended preventive testing.
cancer.org/cancer/colon-r…
Colon cancer screening is mandated by law to be covered by all private insurance companies and Medicare.
This means you should have no deductibles or co-pays for this recommended preventive testing.
cancer.org/cancer/colon-r…
11/
If you dont have insurance, there are still ways you can get colon cancer screening.
Educate yourself. Take care of you and your loved ones.
Early screening matters.
We are worth it.
Rest in power @chadwickboseman
#ChadwickForever
#WakandaForever
cdc.gov/cancer/crccp/?…
If you dont have insurance, there are still ways you can get colon cancer screening.
Educate yourself. Take care of you and your loved ones.
Early screening matters.
We are worth it.
Rest in power @chadwickboseman
#ChadwickForever
#WakandaForever
cdc.gov/cancer/crccp/?…
