TA Walker wants to share a message of being your own health advocate
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. One of our own developed and beat his colon cancer. This morning, TA Walker is Shining a Light on his journey and wants to share a message of being your own health advocate.
Posted at 10:50 AM, Mar 12, 2024
and last updated 2024-03-16T17:39:58.96+Z
Carol Knickerbocker was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer during a colonoscopy in January 2023 while she was still half asleep.
Dr. David Hiller is one of the doctors helping Carol throughout her journey and said most people can be treated if they just look out for symptoms such as bleeding, change in bowel function, or pain that cannot be explained otherwise.
Accuracy
Colon cancer is being diagnosed in younger people more and more across the U.S.
In younger Americans in their 30s and 40s, colon cancer has been increasing about 2% each year
Alcohol use is a risk factor for colon cancer
Obesity and a Western diet that's high in red meat and processed foods are also risk factors for colon cancer
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a colonoscopy saved Carol Knickerbocker's life when it was actually her husband who had the colonoscopy and discovered his cancer first. Secondly, the article implies that immunotherapy was successful for Carol when there are no success stories mentioned anywhere else in relation to this treatment. Lastly, Dr. David Hiller claims that most people can be treated if they just look out for symptoms but does not provide any evidence or statistics to support this claim.
The article states that a colonoscopy saved Carol Knickerbocker's life when it was actually her husband who had the colonoscopy and discovered his cancer first. This is an example of deceptive omission by the author.
The article implies that immunotherapy was successful for Carol when there are no success stories mentioned anywhere else in relation to this treatment. This is another example of deceptive omission by the author.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it states that Dr. David Hiller is one of the doctors helping Carol throughout her journey and implies his expertise in treating colorectal cancer. Additionally, there are examples of inflammatory rhetoric used by both Star Connor and Dr. Hiller when they describe the importance of getting a colonoscopy for early detection and treatment.
Dr. David Hiller is one of the doctors helping Carol throughout her journey
If you see bleeding change in your bowel function, in pain, that you can't explain otherwise. Get checked out.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a clear example of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'God's blessing' to describe Carol Knickerbocker's successful treatment and recovery from stage 3 colorectal cancer. This implies that her survival was due to divine intervention rather than medical science or treatment, which is not supported by scientific evidence.
I think a colonoscopy for me saves lives. It saved my life.
Colon cancer is being diagnosed in younger people more and more across the U.S.
In younger Americans in their 30s and 40s, colon cancer has been increasing about 2% each year
Alcohol use is a risk factor for colon cancer
Obesity and a Western diet that's high in red meat and processed foods are also risk factors for colon cancer
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that younger Americans are at an increased risk for colon cancer but fails to provide any evidence or statistics to support this claim. Secondly, the author states that there are known behaviors that contribute to your risk for colon cancer without providing a comprehensive list of these behaviors. Thirdly, the article misrepresents some of the factors associated with an increased risk of colon cancer by stating that they affect 'colon cancer in general' when in fact they have been specifically linked to an increased risk of this type of cancer.
The author states that there are known behaviors that contribute to your risk for colon cancer without providing a comprehensive list of these behaviors. For example, the article states: 'It's important to change these habits as early in your life as possible to help lower your risk for colorectal cancer.' However, the article does not provide any specific examples of what these habits are or how they contribute to an increased risk.
The author claims that younger Americans are at an increased risk for colon cancer but fails to provide any evidence or statistics to support this claim. For example, the article states: 'In younger Americans in their 30s and 40s, colon cancer has been increasing about 2% each year.' However, there is no mention of any studies or research that have confirmed this increase.
The article misrepresents some of the factors associated with an increased risk of colon cancer by stating that they affect 'colon cancer in general' when in fact they have been specifically linked to this type of cancer. For example, the article states: 'It’s important to implement a healthy diet and exercise regimen, as well as avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use, as early as you can in life to lower your colon cancer risk.' However, these behaviors have also been associated with an increased risk of other types of cancer.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article discusses the rising incidence of colon cancer in younger Americans and identifies known behaviors that contribute to this risk. The author provides examples of these behaviors such as alcohol use, obesity, and a Western diet high in red meat and processed foods. However, the article also highlights a lack of knowledge among Americans regarding some of these risks factors which could lead to an increased likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Alcohol use is a risk factor for colon cancer
Obesity is a risk factor for colon cancer
A Western diet high in red meat and processed foods is a risk factor for colon cancer
Bias
(75%)
The article discusses the rising incidence of colon cancer in younger Americans and provides information on known behaviors that contribute to this risk. The author also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own risk for colorectal cancer and making lifestyle changes as early in life as possible to lower it. However, there are some examples of bias present in the article.
The sentence 'In younger Americans in their 30s and 40s, colon cancer has been increasing about 2% each year.
Colorectal cancer has risen by 50 % among people under 50 in the last 30 years and is expected to become the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 by 2030.
The American Cancer Society reports that it's the number one cancer death among men and number two among women.
According to Rachel Issaka, a board-certified gastroenterologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and University of Washington Medical Center, taking preventative steps such as getting screened regularly is important in detecting colorectal cancer early.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author states that colorectal cancer has risen by 50% among people under 50 in the last 30 years without providing any context or evidence to support this claim. This is a lie by omission as it implies that there was no increase in colorectal cancer rates among young people prior to this time period, which is not true. Secondly, the author states that colorectal cancer will become the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 by 2030 without providing any evidence or context to support this claim. This statement is a lie by omission as it implies that there are no other factors contributing to cancer deaths in young people, which is not true. Thirdly, the author states that colorectal cancer is the number one cancer death among men and number two among women without providing any evidence or context to support this claim. This statement is a lie by omission as it implies that there are no other factors contributing to cancer deaths in men and women, which is not true.
The author states that colorectal cancer has risen by 50% among people under 50 in the last 30 years without providing any context or evidence to support this claim. This is a lie by omission as it implies that there was no increase in colorectal cancer rates among young people prior to this time period, which is not true.
The author states that colorectal cancer is the number one cancer death among men and number two among women without providing any evidence or context to support this claim. This statement is a lie by omission as it implies that there are no other factors contributing to cancer deaths in men and women, which is not true.
The author states that colorectal cancer will become the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 by 2030 without providing any evidence or context to support this claim. This statement is a lie by omission as it implies that there are no other factors contributing to cancer deaths in young people, which is not true.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics from two sources without providing any context or explanation for why these sources are reliable. Secondly, the author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options: taking preventative steps or not taking them at all, implying that there is no other option available. Lastly, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that colorectal cancer will become the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 by 2030, which may create fear and anxiety in readers.
According to the University of Washington Medical Center,
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month as they are reporting for KOIN which is affiliated with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. The article also mentions gastroenterologist Rachel Issaka who may have financial ties to companies or organizations that produce products related to colorectal cancer prevention.
The author reports on a study published in JAMA Oncology which found that screening for colorectal cancer can reduce the risk of death from the disease. The article mentions Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where some of the research was conducted.
The author reports on the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month campaign organized by the American Cancer Society and held at University of Washington Medical Center. The article mentions gastroenterologist Rachel Issaka who is based in Portland, Ore., and may have financial ties to companies or organizations that produce products related to colorectal cancer prevention.
The American Cancer Society says one in 23 men and one in 24 women will develop colorectal cancer.
Dr. Heidi Bahna recommends screenings for those with first-degree relatives or strong family history at age 40 and even younger if their family member was diagnosed younger than that.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it quotes Dr. Heidi Bahna and Dr. Juliet Ray without providing any context or qualifications for their expertise in the field of colorectal cancer screening.
> The American Cancer Society says one in 23 men and one in 24 women will develop colorectal cancer.
> WPTV journalist T.A. Walker was at JFK Medical Center on Monday shining a light on the importance of getting your screening by the recommended age of 45.
> Age 40 if you have first-degree relatives or a strong family history, and even younger if your family member was younger than that, we recommend 10 years earlier than your youngest family member was diagnosed.
> Saturday, the doctors at JFK are holding an awareness and fundraising event at HiiT56 in Boca Raton at 9 a.m.
> Because this is really what we have kind of dedicated our lives to, you know, we don't want to get to the point of needing to be in the operating room and taking out these cancers.
Colorectal cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause for women.
A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days can be a potential warning sign of colon cancer.
Unexplained sudden weight loss is another potential warning sign of colon cancer.
Persistent fatigue can also indicate the presence of colon cancer.
Blood present in the stool or toilet is one of the most common symptoms associated with colorectal cancer.
Accuracy
Colorectal cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause for women.
Persistent fatigue can also indicate the presence of colon cancer.
<strong>Many symptoms</strong> įof colorectal cancer can appear similar to symptoms brought about by other issues, such as infection, hemorrhoids, or irritable bowel syndrome.ዿ
Regular screening tests are one of the most powerful tools for preventing colon cancer because they can find polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer.
<strong>Only 20%</strongዿ ὤof Americans age 45-59 receive colon cancer screenings, despite recommendations from the American Cancer Society to start regular screening at age 45.
ὨIndividuals with a family history or genetic predisposition should begin screening before age 45 years to reduce risk.
<strong>Factors such as body weight, physical activity, diet and alcohol and tobacco use can also play a role in your risk for colorectal cancer.
Carol Knickerbocker was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer during a colonoscopy while she was still half asleep.
įThe guidelines for colonoscopy have changed in recent years, starting at 45 for everyone instead of just over 50 as before and even earlier if there is a family history.
Colon cancer is being diagnosed in younger people more and more across the U.S.
įIn younger Americans in their 30s and 40s, colon cancer has been increasing about 2% each year
ὨAlcohol use is a risk factor for colorectal cancer
Obesity and a Western diet that's high in red meat and processed foods are also risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the American Cancer Society recommends people at average risk start regular screening at age 45. However, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), individuals with an average risk of colorectal cancer should begin colonoscopy screenings starting at age 50 for men and age 48 for women. Secondly, it states that only about 20% of Americans aged 45-59 receive colon cancer screenings. However, according to the NCI, approximately half of adults in this age group are not up to date on their recommended colorectal cancer screening tests. Thirdly, the article claims that individuals with a family history or genetic predisposition should begin screening before age 45 years to reduce risk. According to the NCI, people with a family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer should start regular screenings at least 10-15 years earlier than their closest living relative who had the disease. Lastly, it states that weight can increase the risk of colorectal cancer for both men and women. However, according to a study published in JAMA Oncology, being overweight or obese does not significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The article claims that individuals with an average risk should start regular screening at age 45. According to the NCI, this is incorrect and individuals in this group should begin colonoscopy screenings starting at age 50 for men and age 48 for women.
Fallacies
(70%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(80%)
The article contains several examples of potential bias. Firstly, the author uses language that dehumanizes those who hold certain political beliefs by referring to them as 'white supremacists' and 'far-right ideologies'. This is an example of religious bias. Secondly, the author quotes a statement from Dr Laura Makaroff without providing any context or information about her qualifications or expertise in the field of colon cancer prevention. This could be seen as monetary bias if it were revealed that she has received funding from pharmaceutical companies to promote certain treatments for colorectal cancer. Thirdly, the article contains a statement that 'many symptoms of colorectal cancer can appear similar to symptoms brought about by other issues'. However, this is not true and could be seen as an example of deceptive statements made by anyone else than www.cleveland.com which violates one of the ignore rules.
Dr Laura Makaroff's qualifications and expertise in the field are not provided
Many symptoms of colorectal cancer can appear similar to other issues, but this is not true
The author uses language that dehumanizes those who hold certain political beliefs
