At Home Screening

We all know, just how important cancer screening is. Especially, if you are considered, "High Risk." Often times, insurance companies, aren't so happy to approve screening. Especially if you are young. It doesn't matter to them, that you are carrying a high risk. That means nothing, to them. They just see dollar signs.

And the reality is, it would probably cost them less, to screen these types of people. Like myself. If it's caught early, there is less care needed. Therefore, it costs the insurance companies less. And it gives us, the high risk people, a better shot at a long and healthy life.

I found this article. And was stunned. I'd never heard about, at home screening. A simple little test. That possibly could save lives. Or at least, grab the attention of your doctor. Cologuard was even approved by the FDA, in 2014.

While I still think, a colonoscopy is the best way to go, for screening. I would definitely like to try this. It's another safety precaution, to take. Especially, if you have the risk, in your family. And are a young adult. I know on the website, they talk about people who are 50+. But I think, this is a good option, for those people, who can't get colonoscopy approval.

Even with the amazing doctor, that I have in my corner, I'm fighting to be approved for a colonoscopy. I'm 32 years old. Healthy. And I appear, to have nothing wrong with me. In today's world, that gives the insurance company, all rights to say no. No to my screening. Until I'm 50 years old.

It's crazy. The doctors in my corner, are all fighting for me. Just so I have a better chance at life. A sense of ease. With knowing, if I am a true risk, or not. But with a HUGE list, of people waiting for colonoscopies, and just to see GI doctors....I know I have an uphill battle.

So here are my thoughts. Our health, is in our own hands. If we don't fight for ourselves, who will? It took my Dad, almost 3 1/2 years, to receive a colonoscopy. And he was sick. Hospitalized many times. For weeks, at a time. He had ALL the signs, of colon cancer.

For me, the relatively healthy young adult...must fight. And if this is what I have to turn to, well I'll be going to my doctor. Asking for a prescription. And you know what? I'm thankful, to have something like this, to lean on. At least, it gives me, a fighting chance. ❤❤❤

In the Genes?

Interesting. That's what I thought, as I read this article. Makes me wonder about a lot of different things. Especially, over the last few months. I've researched a lot of different areas...associated with colon cancer.

And now, what I'd always thought...seems to be backed up. With a little research. Don't get me wrong. There is still much to be researched, and studied.

But for me, it just solidifies the importance, of colonoscopies, screening, and knowing your history. Yes, it is very important to live a healthy lifestyle. But equally as important, is knowing your history. Knowing the chances of a possible cancer. And staying on top, of all those things.

I just find it intriguing, that the mutation of the APC gene, was found in an 18th century mummy. Goes to show, just how important our "Family History," really is. Did it cause colon cancer? We don't know. But it was there.

Can you imagine, all those years ago...having this mutation? This early research, doesn't really prove what causes modern day colon cancer. Much like, "What came first? The chicken? Or the egg?" But we know have a better understanding, of the importance, of screening. ❤❤❤