What is colorectal cancer
Our colon (large intestine) is an essential part of the digestive system. If cells grow abnormally in the colon or rectum, polyps may form, which over time, may turn into colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer risks
There are many factors that play a role in your risk for developing colorectal cancer, some you can control, such as:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
While others may be out of your control, such as:
- Age
- Race
- Family history
- genetic syndromes
- Previous radiation treatments
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions
Discuss which risks you may have with your Primary Care Physician and determine when you should be screened for colorectal cancer. Generally, screenings are recommended starting at the age of 50, but screenings may be recommended earlier if you have risk factors.
REMINDER: Full-time employees and their spouses are eligible for a $50 gift card when they get their annual physical and submit a signed Physician Affidavit. Print a copy from our Physician Affidavit page to take to your appointment .
- Take a copy of the Physician Affidavit to your appointment.
- Have your doctor sign the form.
- Return the signed form to the Benefits team as directed at the bottom of the form.
- Receive a $50 Gift Card.
Visit American Cancer Society for information about colorectal cancer, causes, risk factors, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Testimonial on the importance of preventive screening
I owe a debt of gratitude to Discount Tire not only for my health, but for my family’s health.
Each year when it’s time for my annual physical I think, “Ugh, I’m too busy for this!” I also think, “Just do it! You will get $50 to do something you should be doing anyway.” So I dutifully schedule my appointment and show up so that I can send my receipt for a gift card.
Last year, when I scheduled my annual physical, my doctor laid the news on me that I was long overdue for a colonoscopy.* I rebelled and shared that I felt fine and to my knowledge there was no history of colon cancer in my family. My doctor said that he knew it was ultimately my final decision and although he strongly wanted the colonoscopy, he insisted that I “at least” start with a Cologuard test.* When the test arrived, I followed the steps and mailed it off.
About a week later, my doctor contacted me to share that something strange came back in my test result. He said he didn’t want to alarm me but that I needed to go in for a colonoscopy right away. Within a week, I had a colonoscopy and the results. I had colon cancer. I had a 33mm carcinoma in my sigmoid colon. I was shocked. I felt fine and was still unaware of any colon cancer in my family. I spent time gathering information about the diagnosis.
Colon cancer is slow growing. It takes a long time to feel sick from it and when you do, it is typically in its final stages. Early detection is key.
About a week went by and I went in for surgery. I had a colon resection. The cancer was removed, and I am happy to report that I am one-year post surgery, and I am cancer free.
During the experience, I shared with my immediate family what had been discovered. My mom shared with me that she has had many polyps removed. I also learned that my aunt passed away from colon cancer 15 years ago. In the past year, because of my diagnosis, my brother found out he also had colon cancer and he had a 25mm carcinoma removed. My sister had a checkup and she had 6 polyps removed. I decided to have genetic testing done which confirmed my family’s predisposition for colon cancer.
This entire experience and all that we have learned in my family about the risks we face due to our genetics came about because of Discount Tire’s $50 annual gift card for getting a physical.
Well done Discount Tire! I can’t thank you enough from the bottom of my heart not only for myself but for the future generations in my family that will benefit from this information.
*Preventive colonoscopy and cologuard screenings are generally covered at 100% on Discount Tire medical plans. Please call the number on the back of your medical ID card for complete coverage details.