There are lots of things about turning 50 that make you stop and think. Near the top of the list is the conversation you’ll have with your doctor about getting a colonoscopy screening to looks for polyps and cancer.  Not every polyp turns into cancer, but just about every colon cancer starts as a polyp.  And since colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death, it’s super important to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.  It’s not nearly as bad as you might think… so if you’re over 50 and you haven’t done it yet, get it over with.  Don’t fret.  It’s not that bad and it’s definitely worth it.  I blogged about mine a few months ago.

November 19th marks our 4th annual “Undy 5000” which is a fun walk/run to increase awareness and to encourage folks to bite the bullet and get screened.  The run raises money for the Colon Cancer Alliance (a national organization) but half the profits stay here in Arizona for treatment services for Arizonans diagnosed with colorectal cancer through the Fit at 50 Healthcheck Program.  Having access to treatment funds will make a huge difference to an uninsured Arizonan diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Celia Nabor is our Team Captain this year.  She’s done a terrific job recruiting participants.  Click here to register on line for the Undy 5000. Select the Phoenix event.  When you register the team name and team organization is the Arizona Department of Health Services.  The password is health1 (you’ll need to enter that twice).  Have fun and see you there!

PS: Celia and Virginia Warren will be hosting a Lunch & Learn from 11:30 to 12:30 today in room 345 of the 150 Bldg of ADHS.