Oklahoma colon cancer deaths can be reduced with education

Too many Oklahomans do not know the risk factors or the importance of ordinary projections.

Rabeeya nusrat, Tauseef Ali, Salman Nusrat and Fahad Khan
| Invited clonists

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and a main cause of cancer deaths in Oklahoma.
Approaching the social drivers of health and improving access to medical assistance in rural and underestimated communities are critical steps in reducing colorectal cancer disappearances.
Regular screening for colorectal cancer is crucial and can significantly save lives. Please see your doctor for best screening option for you.

Every year, thousands of Oklahomans are in a struggle against a disease that requires immediate attention: colon cancer. It is one of the main causes of cancer deaths in the United States, but its impact is often overlooked.

This is our urgent appeal to action – to raise awareness, break the stigma and empower ourselves to deal with our health.

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC), often hides in simple sight, passing unobserved in its early stages. Therefore, awareness and screening are so crucial. Colorectal cancer is The third most diagnosed cancer among men and women in Oklahoma And it is a main cause of cancer deaths. With an incidence rate of 40.3 per 100,000, we exceed the national average of 36.4, and the mortality rate of 15.1 to 100,000 is 14% higher than the national average.

Indigenous native/alaskane persons are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to other racial and ethnic groups in Oklahoma. Both native American natives/Alaskani and Black Americans in Oklahoma are about 30% more likely to die due to colorectal cancer than other groups.

These statistics are full of soul – but they are not inevitable. We can change them by increasing access to projections, promoting healthy lifestyle and approaching systemic inequities that contribute to late stage diagnosis.

Oklahoma colon cancer deaths can be reduced by awareness and education

Screening is essential in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. However, Oklahoma occupies 44th place in the country for colorectal cancer screening ratesWith over one third of adults over 50 years old in Oklahoma have never been examined for colon cancer, and 75% of uninsured people do not have access to these rescue projections. Barriers include the lack of awareness, financial constraints and access to access to medical assistance, especially in rural communities, where individuals often face barriers such as persistent poverty and travel burden, which can delay the diagnosis and treatment. This difference leaves many vulnerable, but it also means that we can make the difference by approaching these barriers.

Understanding the risk factors that increase the probability of colorectal cancer development is crucial. According to centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), factors such as lack of physical activity, a weak diet (especially one low in fruits and vegetables), obesity, tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption contribute to an increased risk. In addition, a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory intestinal diseases increases the risk. If we can raise awareness of these risk factors, we can empower individuals to make life choices and seek early projections.

The symptoms of colon cancer can be subtle and many people fail to observe them until the disease has progressed. Changes in intestinal habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort and blood are all signs that should never be ignored. The usual projections are the key to catch the colon cancer earlier – when it is the most treatable. Early detection makes all the difference in the world, with treatments such as colonoscopes capable of identifying and removing precancerous polyps before developing in complete cancer. This proactive approach can significantly decrease the risk of colorectal cancer deaths.

The American Cancer Society and the American Gastroenterology College recommend that medium -risk individuals begin regular projections at 45. However, for those at higher risk-such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer can need to start from the age of 30 or 40.

Several screening methods are available, including colonoscopes, chair -based biomarker tests. Each method has its benefits and requirements of training, and the key is consulting with a medical service provider to determine the most appropriate screening plan based on individual risk.

Awareness and education are essential for reducing colon cancer deaths in Oklahoma. Too many Oklahomans do not know the risk factors or the importance of ordinary projections. We must act by starting colon health conversations, sharing information about symptoms, risks and screening options and pleading for community -based initiatives that give priority to education and projections. We can help to save life, encouraging friends, family and colleagues to analyze and become educated about the prevention of colon cancer. Every conversation, screening and proactive step can save a life. Together, we can overcome colon cancer.

Rabeeya Nusrat is a doctor of internal medicine at SSM Health and president of the Medical Association of Pakistan Descent in North America (Appna), Oklahoma Chapter; Tauseef Ali is a gastroenterologist with SSM Health; Salman Nusrat is also a gastroenterologist, and Fahad Khan is a healthcare executive in Oklahoma City.