WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: COLON CANCER

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.  Greater than 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer every year.  This disease is highly preventable, by getting screened beginning at age 50.

Screening tests help prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed. Screening also finds this cancer early, when treatment can be most effective.

·         Risk increases with age. More than 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people aged 50 and older.

·         Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t alwayscause symptoms, especially at first. You could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why having a screening test is so important. Symptoms may include—

o    Blood in or on the stool (bowel movement).

o    Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away.

o    Losing weight and you don’t know why.

·         Some people are at a higher risk than others for developing colorectal cancer. If you think you may be at increased risk, talk to your provider about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.

·         There are several screening test options. Talk with your provider about which is right for you.

o    Colonoscopy (every 10 years).

o    High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (every year).

o    Sigmoidoscopy (every 10 years, with FOBT or FIT every three years).

o    Sigmoidoscopy alone (every 5 years).

o    Stool DNA test (FIT-DNA) every one or three years.

o    CT colonography (or virtual colonoscopy) every five years.

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SHINGRIX, THE NEW SHINGLES VACCINE

Shingles is a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the body, often the face or torso. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. Some people describe the pain as an intense burning sensation. For some people, the pain can last for months or even years after the rash goes away. This long-lasting pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it is the most common complication of shingles. Your risk of getting shingles and PHN increases as you get older.  Many are wondering about the new Shingles Vaccine. 

Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication from shingles. CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix®, separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.

Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. Two doses of Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Protection stays above 85% for at least the first four years after you get vaccinated. Shingrix is the preferred vaccine, over Zostavax®.

Healthy adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. You should get Shingrix even if in the past you:  had shingles, received Zostavax or if you are not sure if you had chickenpox.  There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.

Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix, and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. About 1 out of 6 people who got Shingrix experienced side effects that prevented them from doing regular activities.  Symptoms went away on their own in about 2 to 3 days. Side effects were more common in younger people.

You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses.  If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Severe allergic reactions to any vaccine are very rare

There are several ways shingles vaccine may be paid for:

 Medicare

Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan. There may be a copay for the vaccine, or you may need to pay in full then get reimbursed for a certain amount.

Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine.

Medicaid

Medicaid may or may not cover the vaccine. Contact your insurer to find out.

Private health insurance

Many private health insurance plans will cover the vaccine. Contact your insurer to find out. 

Vaccine assistance programs

Some pharmaceutical companies provide vaccines to eligible adults who cannot afford them. You may want to check with the vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, about Shingrix.

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