March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and it’s also the month that my family and I lost my dad to cancer. I won’t get into the specifics, and I know many of you have lost loved ones to cancer too, but if there had been a test for my dad’s cancer (Pancreatic), it would have been amazing and it could have given us so many more years with him.
(we write him letters in balloons every year on his birthday)
So when Today’s Mama and Myriad Genetics came to me, wondering if I would post about Colon Cancer screening — I knew I needed to share the message. You see, my dad actually worked with Myriad and was a cancer researcher — he spent his life trying to find a cure for cancer. So it’s such a blessing to be able to share his message in my own little way.
I want to be around for my kids and grandkids. And if I can take a test that will help tell me my risks for cancer, I think that is amazing.
Some hereditary cancers, such as Colon Cancer, have certain risk factors associated with them, making it possible to actually prevent these cancers!
To find out if you are at a higher risk for Colon Cancer, simply take this super quick quiz:
Hereditary Risk for Colon Cancer Quiz
If you find out that you are at a higher risk, you can get a Colonoscopy which might be able to save your life and give you more time with your loved ones.
Take the quiz. I am honored to partner with Just Ask, Myriad Genetics and Today’s Mama to get the word out about preventing Colon Cancer.
We would love to give one Tatertots and Jello reader a Canon Camera!!
You can use it to record all of the wonderful moments with YOUR family!
There is actually a Colon Cancer gene which can be tested. You can use results of that test to map out a prevention plan for you with a Genetic Counselor. These cancers tend to run in families so be sure to encourage your family members and loved ones to be screened as well.
This is the time to see what your risks are. The test only takes a few minutes and it can tell you so much. I took it and it was really informative.
It’s amazing what science has discovered!!
We want you to get screened and to learn more about how you can prevent cancer, and you can win a Canon Camera when you do!
(It’s a Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with lens!)
Here’s how to enter!
Visit the special Tatertots and Jello contest app page on Facebook and follow the easy instructions!
(On a mobile device? Use this link instead! If it still won’t work, you may need to use a computer to enter.)
You have until April 6th at midnight to enter. Remember for every extra step you complete you earn extra entries! (You can comment on this post how you shared the giveaway – but you must enter through the Facebook page link)
On the special Facebook page, you can earn entries when you:
- Sign Up! Enter your email on the Facebook form so we can contact you if you win
- Extra Entries! Share with Friends on Facebook (the share buttons are at the bottom of this post) Let me know in the comments how you shared.
- Like Just Ask! on Facebook
- Take the Quiz!
- Like Tatertots and Jello on Facebook
Remember, you must enter the contest by completing the steps on the Facebook Tab (Only comment on this post how you shared the giveaway).
Good luck!
More Chances to Win!
- TodaysMama.com:$5oo to Nordstrom
- The Idea Room: Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with lens
- SomewhatSimple.com: Flat Screen TV
- Dollar Store Crafts: KitchenAid Mixer & a Kindle
- SkinnyTaste.com: Kitchen Aid Mixer + A Kindle
- IHeartNaptime.net: Canon Camera
xoxo
This is a sponsored post from me on behalf of TodaysMama.com. Opinions are 100% mine. Visit TodaysMama.com for complete contest rules.
Today is the last day to enter. A winner will be selected soon!!
xoxo
My mom battled Ovarian Cancer Twice, and kicked it’s butt! She taught me the importance of getting tested also, I think this is a neat campaign to help get the word out, usually I avoid those large scale multi blog type giveaways, but I love the message and I wanted to show support so I am entering them all! I definitely need a good camera, so I’ve got my fingers crossed!
Hello, I shared this on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/trish.froehner/posts/477548408967312
Thanks!
Trish Froehner
I shared this giveaway on both FB and Pinterest! Thank you!
Took the quiz!
Thanks so much for the giveaway but most importantly for reminding us about cancer awareness and prevention. So important. Shared on FB, G+ & Twitter. xoxo, Claire
Thank you!! I shared this page, liked all of the pages, and took the quiz!
EDIT: I always forget about my risk because of my Grandmother’s Ovarian cancer, this was an eye-opening reminder that we’re all effected in some way or another. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for sharing the test. I also shared on FB
I have an aunt who is a colon cancer survivor. This is a great cause! I took the test and liked tater tots and jello on Facebook
I shared with all my facebook friends so they could become well informed about this. So sorry to hear about your father though. 🙁
Thanks Kristen!! I appreciate it so much:)
xoxo
I am not sure if I left a comment, but I did share on facebook, and entered. I am just humbled by how many people have commented about how cancer has affected their lives. It almost makes me want to become and oncologist.
Thanks Amy!! I think it’s so great that there are these tests and ways to see if we are at risk for different cancers. It seems like everyone has someone they love that has been affected in some way.
xooxo
I just wanted to say that I think the idea of sending your father letters every year on your birthday is beautiful, and is a heartwarming way to remember those family members who have passed on. I might borrow that tradition from you to honor a couple of family members of my own who passed away far too soon.
Hi Sarah!!
Thanks so much!! It really is our favorite tradition. He was a wonderful man and it feels so great to be able to celebrate his birthday this way. I appreciate your comment!
xxo
Shared on facebook https://www.facebook.com/umlilcutie/posts/308287225967280
Shared the giveaway
Reading this kind of things gives us too much to think about. I lost a dear uncle but with a different kind of cancer, I still don’t understand much about it but it because was very complicated and everything started with a simple wound. It was a very difficult year, 2 kind of treatment, 3 times each, and he only got worse after each one. He was very young with 3 kids and one of them was 9 month old. That was many years ago and I still can’t believe it. I remember that day as it was yesterday because I was there when he left. Is too difficult to let them go because we love them so much, and if there are way to prevent that I think it’s worth it. 😀
I loved your way to honor him, is so touching…
Thanks for sharing that part of your life 😀
XOXO
Cami
Reading this kind of things gives us so much to think about. I lost a dear and loved uncle but with a different kind of cancer, I still don’t understand much about it but it because was very complicated and everything started with a simple wound. It was a very difficult year, 2 kind of treatment, 3 times each, and he only got worse after each one. He was very young with 3 kids and one of them was 9 month old. That was many years ago and I still can’t believe it. I remember that day as it was yesterday because I was there when he left. Is too difficult to let them go because we love them so much, and if there are way to prevent that I think it’s worth it. 😀
I loved your way to honor him, is so touching…
Thanks for sharing that part of your life 😀
XOXO
Cami
Hi Cami!!
Thanks for sharing your story! I am so sorry about your uncle. Cancer steals so many wonderful people.
(((hugs)))
xoxo
I lost my mom canceer in 2008 and my dad to lung cancer is 2000. It’s hard for me to believe they have been gone so long. I miss them both every day. I recently read that there is a new screening test being developed for pancreatic cancer that can detect some sort of enzyme that is produced when pancreatic canccer is present. I wish I would have saved the article…seems to be the researcher was high school senior that was working with Harvard University.
woops it should have said :lost my mom to pancreatic cancer in 2008….
and now I have found the article:
A fifteen year old high school student from Maryland, Jack Andraka, has discovered a test to diagnose pancreatic cancer before it spreads. Pancreatic cancer is extremely difficult to diagnose and by the time the diagnosis is made- the patient is not likely to survive more than twelve months. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. This new test is 90% accurate. It is also less expensive than current available testing and it is able to detect the cancer much earlier than present testing methods. Andraka used a diabetic test strip to create a similar dipstick to test blood or urine for early stage pancreatic cancer. This test is 28 times faster and over 100 times more sensitive than tests currently in use for pancreatic cancer screening. He currently has a patent pending.
Oh my gosh – I think I read about that high school student but I didn’t know that they actually had a test. That is fantastic!! Thanks for letting me know about that. I appreciate it so much DeeDee!! And I am so sorry to hear about your mom and dad. (((hugs)))
xoxoxoxo
This is a lovely tribute and a lovely gesture. Thank you for sharing
Thanks Ana!! I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment so much!
xoxoox
Such a beautiful tribute to your father. Thank you for raising awareness!! My mom is a colon cancer survivor and I am in the higher risk group and had my first colonoscopy at 30. Awareness is a huge step towards prevention/intervention.
Hi Laurel!
I am so happy to hear that your mom is a survivor – yay!! Thanks for commenting and sharing your story!!
xoxo
It’s wonderful that you’ve decided to share this part of your story. Myriad Genetics and the other genetic screening company are for-profit corporations, right? So they’re paying you?
Hi Andrew –
thanks for your comment! Yes I do believe that Myriad is a for profit company, I think they are doing wonderful things. I stated that the post was sponsored at the end of the post, and I am actually taking the money from this and donating it to PanCan in my dad’s name. I think having people share the message of getting screened is a great way to get the message out and I hope it might save someone’s life.
Have a great day!
xoxo
I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
I think it’s worth mentioning that there’s another screening test for colon cancer called the FOBT (fecal occult blood test). It’s a much, much easier and less uncomfortable test than a colonoscopy. It’s also much cheaper.
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm
All the tests have their pros and cons. Your doctor can tell you which is best for you.
Hi Angela!
Thanks for the information!! I will be sure to check that out. I appreciate it!!
xoxo
shared the giveaway via Facebook
Thanks Cindy 🙂
xoxo
aww that made me cry a man that dedicated his life to curing cancer and he got cancer. So nice that you keep him in your kids lives that way! I entered on FB and thank you for the opportunity to win!
Oh thanks so much!! I wasn’t sure if I should share my story since it is so personal and raw still. But I really believe it’s an important message to share and I think it is what my dad would want me to do. I appreciate your comment so much!
xoxo
You were totally right to share that is what makes all of us friends and community in Blog Land and when we share personal stories that shows we care!
That’s a wonderful way to honor your Dad on his birthday! My dad has pancreatic cancer {the rare, slow-growing type} and I agree – it would be awesome for there to be a test that could catch it early. That’s what I’m praying for! I’ll definitely take this test for colon cancer. Thanks for posting it!
Hi Amy!
I will keep your dad in my thoughts. I know they have made so much progress in the last few years. I am hoping and praying that they can come up with an early detection test for pancreatic cancer like they did for colon and breast cancer. I am involved with a group called PanCan which raises money for Pancreatic Cancer and it’s an awesome resource and way to give back. You might already know about them, but I thought I would let you know.
Thanks for commenting and sharing your story!!
xoxoxo
Very good information from the quiz. Both of my grandfathers died of colon cancer. Colonoscopies are often a topic of conversation at family dinners. Thanks for spreading the word.
Thanks for commenting!! It’s so wonderful that there is a test and colonoscopies that can catch that type of cancer early. Yay!!
xoxo
Jen, I am so touched by this post. What a wonderful way to honor the memory of your father. I am a cancer survivor and I know how important early detection was for me. Thank you for bringing this up and encouraging the quiz. I love Myriad for doing this too. I actually did some genetic testing with them for Breast Cancer and fortunately for my sisters, daughters, granddaughters and nieces it was negative. However, that doesn’t I or my family should be complacent about knowing the signs and being vigilant about our health.
Your post is one more way to keep the word out.
Hi Mardell!!
Yay – I am so glad to hear that your relatives have tested negative. I bet that is such a relief!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I appreciate your comment so much!
xoxox
That is such a beautiful way to honor your Dad! We lost my Dad to pancreatic cancer last Oct. & it has been such a rough journey for our family! Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea
Oh Aimee!!! I am so so sorry. Pancreatic cancer is so terrible. It hits without warning and takes people so quickly. We lost my dad just 4 months after his diagnosis. I am praying for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing what you have been going through. I know it is so hard to talk about when it is so raw. My dad passed away 8 years ago and I can still barely talk about it.
xoxoxoxo