March is COLON CANCER Awareness Month

What is Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as “colon” cancer) almost always develops from precancerous changes or growths in the lining of the colon called polyps. Colon cancer can be prevented if precancerous polyps are found and removed. Colon cancer develops in the lower part of the digestive system. The digestive tract processes food and rids the body of solid waste matter.

The Facts about Colon Cancer:
--The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer and more than 50,000 will die. In Minnesota, 2,500 will be diagnosed and 900 will die from colon and rectal cancer.
--Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death (behind lung cancer) in the U.S for men and women combined.
--More than 90% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in men and women 50 and older.
--Survival rate is 90% when colon cancer is found at an early stage, but currently only 39% of colon cancers are detected at an early stage.
--Colon cancer kills more women than ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers combined.
--African-Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and death rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
--Hispanics are less likely to get tested for colon cancer than any other racial or ethnic group.
--The Society is currently funding 113 colon cancer research grants nationwide totaling more than $62.1 million.
--Many insurance plans and Medicare assist in paying for colon cancer screening tests.
--The Society advocates at the federal level to establish a national program to provide colorectal cancer screening, treatment and outreach to uninsured and underinsured men and women. This program would also provide greater awareness among the general public about preventing this disease, one the most easily preventable cancers.
--Recent studies confirm that for all cancer sites combined, including colorectal cancer, patients who were uninsured were almost two times as likely to die in five years as those with private insurance. Ward, E., et al. “Association of Insurance with Cancer Care Utilization and Outcomes.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Jan/Feb 2008.
Risk Factors:
--Colon cancer risk increases with age, making age the greatest risk factor.
--Family history of polyps or diseases of the bowel can also increase colon cancer risk.
--Certain genetic factors increase colon cancer risk.
--Race can increase risk, and African-Americans are at particularly high risk for colon cancer.

Certain behavioral factors increase colon cancer risk, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, diet high in processed and/or red meat and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

--Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp – a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
--Men and women age 50 and older are at risk for colon cancer, but they can prevent it by getting tested.
--A test for colon cancer can detect and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
--More Minnesotans die of cancer of the colon and rectum than either breast or prostate cancer.
--People often think of colon cancer as a man’s disease, but colon cancer kills more women than ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers combined.
--Colon cancer tests are as important as annual Pap tests and mammograms.
--Colon cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages, so someone may have colon cancer & not know it.
--Don’t be afraid to ask your health care provider about colon cancer testing, even if he or she doesn’t mention it first.

The American Cancer Society recommends men and women limit intake of red meat, especially those high in fat, maintain a healthy weight, and be physically active to reduce their colon cancer risk.

The Society advocates at the federal level to establish a national program to provide colorectal cancer screening, treatment and outreach to uninsured and underinsured men and women. This program would also provide greater awareness among the general public about preventing this disease, one the most easily preventable cancers.

Recent studies confirm that for all cancer sites combined, including colorectal cancer, patients who were uninsured were almost two times as likely to die in five years as those with private insurance. Ward, E., et al. “Association of Insurance with Cancer Care Utilization and Outcomes.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Jan/Feb 2008.

Hot Mission News from A.C.S.

Hot Mission News From The American Cancer Society - March, 2008

World Health Organization Unveils Global Effort to Fight Smoking
One billion people may die of tobacco-related illnesses this century, almost all of them in developing countries, the World Health Organization warned as it rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to limit the spread of smoking.

The effort provides the first comprehensive look at tobacco use, as well as smoking control and taxation policies, in 179 countries. Tobacco use is a risk factor for six of the world's eight leading causes of death and causes about one in every 10 deaths of adults now. That toll is expected to rise steeply as tobacco companies target new customers, particularly women, in low-income countries, WHO officials said.

Co-Pays Seen as a Deterrent to Getting Mammograms
When it comes to medical fees, $12 may not seem much, but it is enough to deter many women from getting a mammogram, a new study finds. Researchers say that when insurance plans require patients to make co-payments of $12 to $35 for mammograms, many decide to take a pass. This finding was true even when factors like income and education were taken into account. What it means, the study said, is that more women may develop breast cancer that is not found until it is harder to treat. The researchers reviewed mammogram coverage by 174 Medicare managed-care plans affecting more than 350,000 women ages 65 to 69.

Walking an Hour a Week Cuts Colon Cancer Risk
A large new study confirms that physical activity reduces colon cancer risk.
While just an hour of walking a week seemed to protect against the disease, the more strenuously women exercised, the lower their risk, researchers found.
"Our findings suggest that participation in lower intensity activities may be sufficient to reduce risk though more vigorous activity provides comparable or perhaps additional risk reduction," they write in the International Journal of Cancer.

Granddog Sitting

We had a lovely weekend. Friday morning we headed to the Twin Cities. It was the perfect weekend, weather-wise for traveling. Warm and sunny on Friday, in the 30's all weekend. I dropped my husband and son off at the Metrodome for the big golf show and I headed on to Hudson. We were spending the weekend with our daughter and her family. Our son in law was off work for the weekend, and there were both college and high school hockey games in River Falls and Hudson all weekend. The guys went to the games Friday night, Sat. and Saturday night. Rob hung out with our grandson and his friends, and that left us girls to hang out together. We met up with the guys Sat. night for supper, in between the games. Friday night us girls and Rob, Skylar and Matt played cards. It was a fun weekend.

Coming home was fun too. The kids are going to Mexico for some sun and beach, Wed. through Saturday, so we have the privilege of taking care of our "Grand Dog", Coco. We have been very excited to have her. We really enjoy her. She is a cross between a Yorkie and a Maltese. She is so darn cute, we can hardly stand it! On the way home Rob and I both took turns holding her, but where she really wanted to be was on Bob’s lap, as he was driving! I posted a photo or two here of her, being comfortable on the ride home.

Tonight we were playing with her, with her ball, and her toys. Whenever she thinks one of us has food, that’s where she is in a big rush! She was so excited to see me when I came home. I guess that’s how it is when you have a pet in the home. They always love you. When our kids were young, my Mother always tried to talk us into getting a dog. She was a dog lover. When the boys came along, she told us that every boy needs to have a dog. My Mother in Law didn’t like dogs, she told us that if we ever got a dog she would not come to our house. I could never talk my husband into getting one, I believe that he really took his Mother’s threat to heart. I’m glad now, that at least one of our sons and our daughter are enjoying the companionship of a dog.

It’s really interesting to see how my husband, who never wanted a dog in the family, now treasures this little one. Both our son in law and our daughter have called today, checking in on her, and telling us how much they already miss her.

It’s going to be a fun week for us!

Cancer Day at the Capitol - You are Invited! March 6

Not too late to sign up:

Cancer Day at the Capitol is poised for education about Minnesota’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act. Please join ACS volunteers to educate the legislature about the proposed colorectal screening program. If you haven’t yet registered for Cancer Day at the Capitol, March 6 – it is not too late. Here’s a chance to propose an idea that will save lives, reduce costs and create access to high quality affordable cancer care. To register contact Sally Starr at Sally.Starr@cancer.org. If you have questions contact Jessica Knutson at Jessica.knutson@cancer.org
(there will be a bus going from Duluth)

MN Public Policy Update 2/18/08 Am. Cancer Soc.

News from The American Cancer Society Public Policy Department:
Great News - Bill to create colorectal cancer screening program introduced in Senate and House!
Minnesota’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, S.F. 2698/H.F.2890 was introduced on February 14. The legislation is authored by Senator Kathy Sheran and Representative Maria Ruud. The bill would create a program similar to the existing Minnesota breast and cervical cancer screening program (SAGE). Specifically, the proposed program would provide access to screening for colorectal cancer for Minnesotans who are:
--Over 50 years of age or are under 50 and at high risk for colon cancer;
--Uninsured, or have insurance that does not cover routine colorectal cancer screenings (underinsured);
-- or are unable to pay the deductible or co-payment; and
--Have a gross family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
Services would include:
--Colorectal cancer screening
--Follow up services for abnormal tests; and
--Diagnostic services
If a participant in the program is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the participant’s treatment shall be covered by medical assistance if the person is under or uninsured.

In the Senate the bill was referred to the Health, Housing and Family Security Committee, Chaired by Sen. John Marty. Other Senate Authors include: Lourey; Higgins; Larson; and Koering. In the House the bill was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee Chaired by Rep. Paul Thissen and the other authors thus far include: Representatives McFarlane; Thissen; Loeffler; and Erin Murphy.
A link to the Senate bill is https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S2698.0.html&session=ls85
A link to the House bill is
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getbill.php?number=HF2890&session=ls85&version=list&session_number=0&session_year=2008

Cancer Day at the Capitol poised for education about Minnesota’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act
If you haven’t yet registered for Cancer Day at the Capitol, March 6 – it is not too late. Please join ACS volunteers to educate the legislature about the proposed colorectal screening program. Here’s a chance to propose an idea that will save lives, reduce costs and create access to high quality affordable cancer care. To register contact Sally Starr at Sally.Starr@cancer.org. If you have questions contact Jessica Knutson at Jessica.knutson@cancer.org

Turn on your Lights!

I know, long time...no write! It's been a hectic week.

Tonight on the way home something that I've been wanting to write about before, happened once again... one of my "pet peeves" that can be dangerous. I decided I must vent about it, and hopefully pass on what I think is a safety tip!

Have you noticed the people that drive during dusk in the evening and when the sun isn't quite up yet in the morning, without their lights on their cars? Tonight on the drive home from work, a cloudy dreary evening in between day and night, I was at a stop sign, and once again almost crossed the street, not seeing that there was a car coming that I almost didn't see because it didn't have it's headlights on! I bet at least once a month that happens to me, where I almost don't see the car because of fog, cloudiness or just not enough light. If they had their lights on, I would have seen it. I have never gotten into an accident because of it, but I can sure see how it could happen, as I've had close calls! It's become a pet peeve of mine.

I think the running lights that are on the cars for the last 5 or more years, is the best thing car manufacturers have come up with for safety! Please, if you don't have running lights...turn your headlights on, especially during these dreary days of winter, and during dusk - all year round.

LIGHT!

The last few weeks I was starting to wonder if I had S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I’ve been lethargic, no energy and tired all the time. The only time that I’m not feeling that way is when I am at my place of employment from 8 am – 4:30 pm, but I think the reason I’m not tired then, is that I’m so busy and can’t even think about being “tired”. I just have to keep plugging away to get everything done that needs to get done! It's probably why I'm exhausted when I get home!

Our office building is getting new lights. On Monday, the new lights were installed in the hallway outside of our office. When we walked into our office from the hallway, it seemed like we were walking into a “dungeon”…it was so much darker and drearier. The new lights are so bright, they are more like sunlight, but yet soft. With our office seeming so dark all week, we were excited about getting the new lights. Yesterday at 4 pm the workmen came in and installed the lights! There were only two of us left in the office, and both of us saw the difference immediately and absolutely loved it. The other one hates that our office does not have any windows (we are two floors under the main floor…the price is right…remember we are non-profit”). She was so happy for the change, said it seemed more like sunlight. So, today was the first day of working all day with the new light. It was really good! I like them. The lights are to be more economical and much more “green”, not using as much energy. One of the staff asked for the lights to be taken out above her desk, she thought they were “too bright”. The rest of us are happy!

Then, speaking of LIGHT…I know that since the solstice in December that our days are getting longer now, but have you noticed that we can really see a difference the last few weeks! I was driving home at 5:30 and the sun hadn’t gone down yet…it was still light…how about that! We haven’t had much bright sunlight all week because our temperatures have been mild.

Maybe now that it is lighter, I will start feeling more energetic! I hope so!

Two different couples we know are leaving Saturday morning for Florida destinations. Our friend from Sarasota (FLA) called Bob this afternoon and told him it was 81 degrees and sunny! It’s hard not to be envious. We have to wait until April for Arizona.

Minnesota Primary?

Tuesday was “Super Tuesday”. Minnesota is a state that caucuses. Did you go to your neighbor-
hood caucus?

I was thinking about going, I have never gone, but each year I consider doing so. This year, with it being a very important election year, I thought I might be part of the early process. But after a very long, hectic workday and and my Tuesday evening group meeting at Hope, I was pretty wiped out, so I just headed home.

I read and heard on the news that Duluth, most of Minnesota, actually had very good turnout for the caucuses that we hold in neighborhoods. The best turnout in Duluth in 40 years. The meeting rooms and the parking lots were all full, in all the meeting spots. It was the same in the Twin Cities areas. One of my friends went, and had trouble finding a parking spot. She said it was "very exciting". I read an opinion article in the St. Paul Star Tribune, stating that caucuses are outdated and there is talk of wanting Minnesota to become a primary state.

It was interesting the outcome of our “straw votes”. I’m afraid though, that by the time the conventions come, we are all going to pretty tired of the campaigning! I don't know enough about "primaries" and "caucuses" to have an opinion on whether we should become a primary state. What do some of my readers think?

You Are Blessed

Today is Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent. Lent, 40 days before Easter, I attended our Ash Wednesday service at Hope UMC tonight. The Pastor gave each of us a small medallion, to remind us of this season of Lent. (after he imposed the ashes on our foreheads). One side says “Lent, a time of great blessing, season of great sacrifice”. The other side says: “Blessed Are you .. for your reward is great in heaven” - Matt. 5:12. I put mine on a chain and I think I will wear it each day throughout Lent, as a reminder.

His message was about finding time for God, making room for God in our lives. He reminded us that “there is nothing we can do, or no place we can be that God is not there with us”. It was good to be reminded of this. I know that I am blessed. I hope that each of you, my readers, also know that you are blessed!

Super Sunday

So, are you watching the Super Bowl Football game, or are you catching up on your blog reading and blog writing? As you see, I am NOT a football fan. I am catching up on my writing. Much more fun! I barely know which two teams are playing. I DO know it's not the Packers or the Vikings. My son tried to trick me by telling me one of them was playing... I told him he couldn't fool me, I KNEW it was neither of those teams! If it were one of those teams, I would pay attention to how the scoring was going, but not tonight. It doesn't really matter to me.

A girlfriend from PA just called me about an hour ago, as I was writing this post. We talked for a good hour. It was great to talk with her. She and I were friends in first and second grade, then she moved away. We would visit each other during summer vacations as we were growing up, she came to our wedding. Then we lost touch with each other until about 2 years ago, she got in touch with me, and we have been in touch with each other on a pretty regular basis ever since. She has free minutes on her cell phone on weekends, and I now have free long distance, since we changed our service to the cable company...so now we really have been in touch!

Scoping out the Southwest

I forgot to blog about the plans we made a few weeks ago to get some warmth and sun. In April we are heading for ARIZONA. Tickets are bought, phone calls made and plans made. Bob has a cousin who lives in Scottsdale. He has wanted us to come visit us for a long time. They moved from Duluth to Scottsdale about 20 years ago and have never regretted it.

I have cousins in Payson, which is about 1 1/2 hours north of Bob's cousin. We are going to go visit them when we are there. Then I have another cousin, from other side of my family, who lives near Tucson, and we will visit her and her husband. All three places, the cousins tell us, are different...so we will see three different landscapes of Arizona. We are looking forward to it.

February 2008 Starts Warm

Wow, after the extreme temperatures I wrote about earlier in the week, February has come in like a fuzzy warm scarf! Friday the temps were in the 20's and yesterday and today also in the 20's. Of course, there was no sun, and there was more humidity in the air, but at least it's a break from the sub zero temps! We had a few flurries yesterday. We may get more serious snow tomorrow and Tuesday they say.... now that it's warmer!

HOPE Lodge Opened in Minneapolis

Getting the right care sometimes means cancer patients must travel away from home, often to a cancer treatment facility in another city. Being away from home adds an emotional and financial burden during a challenging time.

Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. The Hope Lodge is an example of the real way cancer patients and their families are able to receive the critical help they may need, when faced with treatment and care far away from home.

The newest home in Minnesota is The Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – a 40 room facility that opened its doors in Minneapolis on December 30, 2007.

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge:
- Provides free housing to patients receiving treatment away from home
- Accommodates adults age 18 and older receiving cancer treatments
- Allows one adult support person to stay with each guest
- Provides guests with private rooms and a private bath, a community dining room, family
room, library, kitchen and laundry facilities
- Is located near cancer centers where patients travel to receive treatment
- Reduces the physical, emotional, and financial burdens on cancer patients and caregivers
- Fosters a supportive care environment where cancer patients and caregivers feel part of a
community
- May provide a day room for patients to rest and regain their strength between treatments
or before returning home, even if they are not overnight guests
- Hope Lodge relieves the financial and emotional burden many cancer patients face by
providing free lodging for the length of their treatment, which can be several days or
several weeks.

In our four-state Midwest area, there are currently Hope Lodges in Marshfield, WI, Minneapolis, MN and Rochester, MN. Another one is currently under construction in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hope Lodge in Rochester is the larges Hope Lodge in the nation, with 60 guest rooms.