Did you Know?
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
- It is the third most common cancer in men and women.
Reduce your risk by keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, and eating a healthy diet.
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement based on height and weight. Two out of three Americans are overweight or obese. A BMI greater than 27 can increase your risk of colon and/or rectal cancer.
Processed meats can also increase your risk for colon and/or rectal cancer by 18%. Examples of processed meats include hot dogs, bacon, lunch meats and sausage.
Exercise may prevent colon and rectal cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Tracking steps with your smartphone is one way to increase activity. Aim for 10,000 steps daily.
Eating healthy can also help reduce your risk of certain cancers. Antioxidants are cancer-fighting compounds found in fruits and vegetables of varying colors. Aim to consume at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day; and remember to keep it colorful!
Answering these questions could save your life:
- Are you age 50 or older?
- Are you age 45 or older and African-American?
- Have you had a change in your bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks (constipation, diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain)?
- Have you had unexpected weight loss?
- Do you have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps?
- Do you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer?
- Do you have a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial, or pancreatic cancer?
- Do you or anybody in your family have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, talk with your physician, as you may require a colonoscopy to prevent colon or rectal cancer.
For people age 50 and over, regular screening can catch colorectal cancer
before symptoms begin.
Early Detection Saves Lives.
Mary Washington Healthcare
Regional Cancer Center
Recent Stories
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
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A recent cybersecurity incident affecting PowerSchool, a global provider of education administration software, has raised concerns for school systems across the country, including Fredericksburg City and Manassas City Public Schools. PowerSchool confirmed that its internal systems were breached in late December, resulting in unauthorized access to data involving students and educators from hundreds of school divisions.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
