Logan serves with the American Cancer Society as a Colon Cancer Screening Health Educator/Navigator
Many Chicago Health Corps members serve populations who often experience food insecurity. However, during my service at the American Cancer Society, I find myself encouraging the senior population to fast for nearly 24 hours.
As a Cancer Educator and Patient Navigator at the American Cancer Society, I help underserved seniors get screened for colorectal cancer by colonoscopy. Preparation for the procedure may be the most difficult part, requiring nearly 24 hours of fasting from all solid food while also taking a laxative. It is hard to fast on purpose, especially, when you may have had little to nothing to eat for several days prior to the fasting period. However, the underserved senior population continues to impress us at the American Cancer Society by fasting for a colorectal cancer screening.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer. Screening means looking for wacky cells in the large intestine and colon that may grow into polyps. In many cases regular screening can prevent colorectal cancer by removing these polyps before they turn into cancer. The willingness of the senior population to give up a day of food all for a screening health test shows the value they place on their health.
This post was written by CHC member 
As a Cancer Educator and Patient Navigator at the American Cancer Society, I help underserved seniors get screened for colorectal cancer by colonoscopy. Preparation for the procedure may be the most difficult part, requiring nearly 24 hours of fasting from all solid food while also taking a laxative. It is hard to fast on purpose, especially, when you may have had little to nothing to eat for several days prior to the fasting period. However, the underserved senior population continues to impress us at the American Cancer Society by fasting for a colorectal cancer screening.