Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.
This month, ICBA Wellness shifts gears slightly, moving from mental health to cancer. Nearly 50% of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime.
The Canadian Cancer Society says there are more than 100 different types of cancer, but (taking out non-melanoma skin cancer, for which specific stats aren’t reported) nearly half of all cases come down to four types:
Colorectal cancer starts in the cells of the colon or rectum, which are part of the digestive system. This is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada – and the second leading cause of death from cancer in men (#3 for women).
The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor if you have these signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you feel something, get checked!
ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.
