How one doctor is taking his mission to the streets
Back off, colon cancer!
That’s the warning Dr. Andrew Albert, gastroenterologist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, is sending around the city and across the world.
After seeing too many of his patients in their 50s, 60s and 70s die from colon cancer, Dr. Albert has made it his mission to get people talking about their colon and to encourage them to get their colonoscopy screening. He put a sign on his back that read “Lost a patient to colon cancer. Did not need to happen! Get your colonoscopy!” and rode his bike through the streets of Chicago. He then posted the message to his Twitter feed, encouraging others to join in to help spread awareness. Using the hashtag #BackOffColonCancer, the message has been adopted by people in Mexico, Canada, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, the United Kingdom and Israel.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women, according to the Colon Cancer Alliance. But, if caught early enough through screening, it’s possible to prevent it.
“I just want people to get checked,” says Dr. Albert. “And if riding up and down Halsted Street in Chicago on my bike with a sign on my back will get people talking, then I will do it. I am representing all of those people who wish they would have gotten their colonoscopy before it was too late.”
Dr. Albert is encouraging everyone to share their stories and to spread awareness. And if you’re up for it, to make your own sign and take a photo of it on your back. Share your photos and stories with #BackOffColonCancer and become part of the movement!
Take action today and schedule your colonoscopy by clicking here.
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About the Author
Holly Brenza, health enews contributor, is a public affairs coordinator on the content team at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. In her free time, Holly enjoys reading, watching the White Sox and Blackhawks, playing with her dog, Bear and running her cats' Instagram account, @strangefurthings.
My family has a history of producing polips. I’m glad I had mine done twice at 48 and at 49 yrs of age. Firt time a year ago when they found 26 polips, three precancerous. My Doctor suggested to follow up a second six months later and the precancerous were gone! Thanks for this I have peace of mind and will follow up as my Dr recommends!!!
Dr Albert is my gastroenterologist. He really cares about his patients. Keep up the good work Dr Albert. 7