There is a men’s health crisis. Men are dying from preventable and treatable cancers – prostate, kidney, testicular, and colon. Problem is, men think they are invincible – thinking they can tough it out, rub some dirt on it. But a simple annual physical with appropriate blood work can help with early detection of these potential killers. Start a new relationship – see your physician annually for a physical and ask for blood work.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and one of the most common cancers. It doesn’t have to be that way. Colon cancer is treatable, but the first challenge is detecting the cancer.

Take the #525Challenge! When you schedule your physical and start a relationship with your doctor, tell us about it! We are keeping score.

Find out about your options for screening from our friends at Colon Cancer Coalition.

What is the #525Challenge?

• See the Doc! See your personal physician for an annual physical.
• Check your blood! Include lab/blood work with your physical.
• Screen for Cancer! Get age-appropriate cancer checks.

The 525 Challenge Grant is to assist firefighters and their family members in detection and treatment, primarily for colon cancer, but also for annual physicals, and other cancers. See the 525 Challenge page for details and application. The application may be submitted on behalf of another person in need.

If you have a family history of colon cancer and are under 45 years old, ask your doctor about a low-cost screening such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), or guaiac smear test (gFOBIT). These low-cost tests can be a way to determine if you need a colonoscopy. You have seen the advertisements – why not try that DNA stool test –  Cologuard, but take some action to check behind you!

Take some action #SavingLives! When you take the 525 Challenge and see your doc for an annual physical, make a big deal about it on social media – do the selfie routine at the doctor’s office, make sure to tag it #525Challenge and tag others to throw down the challenge. For BONUS POINTS and a free T-shirt – in the exam room – when you are waiting on the doc, blow up a latex glove balloon and include it in the selfie – Brent LOVED to do that, from the time he was a little guy. Tag us with that one and we will reach out to get your shirt size and get one in the mail. (Free T while supplies last. Just in case we miss it, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know!)

Click Give on the menu bar above to donate and help bridge the gaps in cancer detection, education, and nutrition. Your money stays local and helps firefighters and their families with preventative screening and resources in the battle with cancer.

Brent’s are some big boots to fill. Let’s carry on his passion in #savinglives.

The Foundation will provide resources to bridge gaps in cancer detection and prevention.