New colorectal cancer screening takeaways

The American Cancer Society just released its first major update to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines since 2018.¹

Here’s what you need to know:

• Blood-based tests are not recommended as preferred screening options at this time.
• Two newly FDA-approved stool tests have been added to the ACS's preferred screening options list, ColoSense and Cologuard Plus.
  • Both tests are done every three years and join a short list of recommended stool-based screening options.
• A positive non-colonoscopy test always requires follow-up colonoscopy.
• This guideline stays firm: Start screening at 45 years old.
• Black individuals have an 11% higher CRC incidence rate compared to White populations, while American Indian and Alaskan Native populations have a 48% higher incidence rate.

The quick gist is to get screened starting at 45, stick with a preferred test, and if that test comes back positive, follow up with a colonoscopy. And of course if you have any symptoms, don’t wait, talk to your doctor right away.

Read more about the latest CRC screening guidelines here.

+Stay informed

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• Why are cancer rates 82% higher for younger women?
• This affordable vitamin cold cut colon cancer risk 58%

If you do one thing… practice 3 acts of kindness

One of the most consistent findings by happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D. is that doing something kind for others produces longer-lasting happiness than doing something nice for yourself.

Her happiness prescription:

• Three acts of kindness in one day, once a week, for a month. She says it’s more powerful when you lump it into one day versus spreading it out.
• Small acts count! Grab an extra coffee for a colleague. Text a friend to say you're grateful for them.
• Don’t forget how meaningful compliments can be. Lyubomirsky notes that people are often stunned to receive one because it happens so rarely.

+Get happy

• The real difference between happiness & joy
• 3 actionable ways to improve your happiness
• Is overproductivity costing you joy? An expert explains

Ask an RD: What are some beach day hydration hacks?

Whether you’re heading to the beach or lake this summer it’s important to stay hydrated! Between lengthy car rides, salty snacks, sun exposure, and time spent swimming, dehydration can sneak up quickly.

Here are a few easy hacks:

• Start hydrating before you arrive (aim to drink water during the car ride instead of waiting until you feel thirsty).
• Pack electrolyte packets or tablets for especially hot, humid days or long stretches in the sun.
• Bring hydrating snacks like watermelon, grapes, oranges, and cucumber slices to boost fluid intake.
• Freeze a few extra water bottles the night before so they slowly melt throughout the day and stay ice cold for hours.
• If you’re drinking alcohol or iced coffee, alternate each beverage with a glass of water to help prevent dehydration.

+Stay cool

• The 6 best electrolyte powders to keep you hydrated
• An insulated, leak-proof stainless steel water bottle
• The healthiest drinks to sip (besides water)

- mindbodygreen editor
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

That’s it for the long game—we hope you’re geared up for the week ahead of you.