March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

As a pharmacist, I’m no stranger to medical facts, statistics, and the occasional ‘hold on, let me check that in the pharmacy guide before you take that’ moment. But when it comes to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, I’m here not just to hand out meds but to hand out a little humor—and of course, some serious information—about a topic that might not be the first one on your dinner conversation list.

The Not-So-Glamorous Subject

Let’s face it, colorectal cancer isn’t exactly the party topic that people jump to at brunch. Most folks would prefer discussing that mysterious spinach artichoke dip recipe they tried or the latest episode of their favorite reality show (which probably involves fewer references to bodily functions than colorectal health). But here’s the thing—this particular cancer doesn’t get the attention it deserves, despite it being one of the top cancers in the world. We need to talk about it, and yes, even laugh about it (with consent, of course!).

The You’re Not Alone Campaign

In the pharmacy world, I see a lot of patients trying to avoid talking about their digestive health. You’d think we were asking them to perform a magic trick. When I hand out stool softeners or talk about dietary fiber, I get looks as if I suggested they start a TikTok dance challenge. But colorectal health is essential. Yes, that means you should consider getting that screening. The good news? The world of colonoscopy prep has evolved, and it’s not as bad as it used to be. It’s still not fun, but compared to some of the other things we’ve seen in the pharmacy world (like, say, the side effects of a 12-page-long medication insert), it’s really not that bad.

Prevention and Your Friendly Pharmacist

If you think your pharmacist is just a pill-pusher and not someone who can help with colorectal cancer prevention, think again. Did you know we can help with understanding the importance of screening? Sure, we don’t hand out the colonoscopies ourselves (I mean, can you imagine?), but we’re your go-to for advice on how to keep that colon happy. Fiber supplements, probiotics, and a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables—yup, we’re in the trenches with you, making sure you’re doing what you can to prevent the big C.

In March, we focus on the idea of early detection—and even though it may seem more comfortable to avoid talking about anything that involves the lower GI tract, don’t forget that we all have a colon. Yours might be in perfect shape right now, but regular screenings are key. Early detection is like getting ahead of a bad prescription drug interaction—it’s so much better to prevent the problem than fix it afterward.

The Awkward but Necessary Conversations

Let’s talk about it. Yes, colorectal cancer. Yes, I know you want to pretend like you didn’t hear me. But you have a pharmacist here who is legally and morally obligated to at least make sure you’re aware. We’re here to help with the medications and advice post-surgery or treatment, but the real win comes in not needing that. That means you need to get in there for that screening (and take a deep breath, it’s not that bad). Let’s keep our digestive health in check—literally—and prevent the need for all the heavy treatments by catching things early.

Plus, when was the last time someone told you to “grab a stool sample” and you didn’t immediately think, this person has crossed a line? But really, it’s just a part of being human. Colon cancer doesn’t discriminate, and we can all take small steps to reduce the risks. So let’s normalize conversations about colon health and give some attention to a very important, but often neglected part of the body. Your pharmacist is rooting for your digestive health from the sidelines, and we’re here with advice, screenings, and yes, a bit of humor too.

In Conclusion

So here’s to March—the month when we laugh, we educate, and we take a good hard look at our colons, all in the name of cancer prevention. And remember, if you think that your pharmacist is only there to tell you to “take two of these and call me in the morning,” think again. We’re also here to encourage screenings, promote fiber, and maybe, just maybe, crack a joke about the importance of getting a colonoscopy. After all, humor is the best medicine—and prevention is better than a prescription.

Now, let’s all get it checked and keep those colon vibes positive!