Burford farmer helps spread the word about colon cancer screening
BRANT COUNTY — Burford farmer Larry Davis is well-known in Brant and beyond for his powerful singing voice.
A member of choirs including Brant Men of Song and the Ontario Male Chorus, Larry is now lending his voice to something new by partnering with the Brant County Health Unit and the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program for Colon Cancer Awareness Month to promote colon cancer screening.
Ontario men and women ages 50 to 74 with no symptoms of colon cancer or first-degree family history (parent, sibling or child diagnosed with the disease) are encouraged to take a simple, free at-home test every two years as part of their routine medical care. The test is offered through ColonCancerCheck, a province-wide screening program for men and women that’s designed to catch signs of colon cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and beat.
Larry had no symptoms or family history, and he’s never been diagnosed with colon cancer. He started taking the screening test every two years because his family doctor recommended it as part of his heath care regimen.
“Good health is vital to my ability to make a living,” said Larry, who grows corn, soybeans and hay, and also raises horses and sheep. A typical day starts at 6:45 a.m. with chores including caring for animals, cutting wood and working on machinery.
Larry also enjoys hunting, riding his motorcycle and being an active member in community groups including choirs, the Masons and the Burford Agricultural Society.
“Staying healthy allows me to continue enjoying these activities,” said Larry. “I would definitely encourage my friends and neighbours to make time for this screening test as part of their routine medical care. It’s easy to complete and can be done in the privacy of their own home.”
The at-home test is available through healthcare providers such as family doctors and nurse practitioners. Anyone who doesn’t have a healthcare provider can call Telehealth Ontario’s colon cancer screening line at 1-866-828-9213 for information on how to obtain one.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. For more information on colon cancer screening please visit hnhbscreenforlife.ca