admin@checkit4 - CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

Inaugural CheckIt4Andretti PickleBall Tournament is a Great Success

CheckIt4Andretti’s Inaugural PickleBall Tournament, in memory of racing legend, John Andretti, was held on March 1 and 2 at the Carolina PickleBall Club in Kannapolis, NC. The tournament’s sponsors included: Republic Airways, title sponsor; Hyde Park Storage Suites, Silver Sponsor; Ginkgo Residential, Silver Sponsor; and Cela Baby, Bronze Sponsor.

150 players signed up to take part in the event and help raise awareness about colorectal cancer- the #2-cause of cancer deaths in the US. Each player received a tournament t-shirt and SWAG bag with items donated by CheckIt4Andretti supporters. Raffle tickets were sold for beautiful gift baskets which were also donated by CheckIt4Andretti supporters. A silent auction featured a Behind the Scenes NASCAR XFinity Experience with Harrison Burton #25, Golf with Ginny and Pat Mackin at the newly designed Peninsula Golf Club, Travel planning with Lisa Livingston at Livingston Travels, an Andretti Winery and Home 2 Court wine basket, and a deluxe Obagi Skin Care kit from Kim and Scott Crosbie of NextHealth, Nashville.

The Round-Robin Tournament awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to winners of Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles teams based on skill level and age.

The event was a great success! CheckIt4Andretti wishes to send a heartfelt “Thank You!” to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, vendor, and participant who helped make the inaugural event such a success. You are truly making a difference for people in the community.

All proceeds from the event will go towards providing free colonoscopies to qualifying members of our community. Mark your calendar for February 28- March 1, 2026 and sign up early!

RESULTS:

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To Your Health!

By admin@checkit4, 2 daysMarch 24, 2025 ago

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Fast Facts

Fast Facts:
- This month marks the 25th anniversary of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
- You can help raise awareness by sharing our blog on social media, taking the Risk Assessment Quiz on our website, signing up for our newsletter and letting your friends and family know you’re getting screened.
- Getting screened at the appropriate time is a great way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

The first National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 2000

Colorectal cancer can be prevented or cured when it’s caught early. But it’s still the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the US. One of the main reasons this preventable disease continues to be a major cause of cancer deaths is because people don’t know when they should get checked out. That’s why President Bill Clinton declared March to be National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2000. In the past 25 years, organizations have been raising awareness about Colorectal Cancer. Knowing the warning signs of colon cancer, what to eat, and when to get screened are key to stopping colorectal cancer in its tracks.

How can you make a difference this March?

There are so many ways to make a difference so that you or a loved one don’t become part of the sad statistics. Here are some of the things you can do:

Wear blue on the first Friday of March. Wearing blue is a symbolic way of letting people know you are in the fight against colon cancer. When you wear blue, post on social media.
Sign up for the CheckIt4Andretti Newsletter. Several times a year you’ll receive an email with the most recent updates about the foundation, new posts from our blog, and the latest news about the world of colorectal cancer.
Take the Risk Assessment Tool on our website. This simple series of questions that you answer anonymously online will help you determine your risk of developing colorectal cancer. We have an article that explains how the risk assessment tool can be used most efficiently.
Follow our blog. We read the new studies and update our blog regularly to make the best information on nutrition, exercise, screening and treatments available to our readers.
Learn about the signs of colon cancer. When found early, polyps can be removed before becoming cancerous. And if the polyps have already become cancerous, early detection can lead to a better than 90% cure rate.
Utilize our video resource library. Sometimes watching a short video is a quick way to learn a lot of information. We have collected a variety of videos to raise awareness and share crucial information. We are updating the library regularly so check back often. You’re sure to find something you’ll learn from.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll get a lot of information on colorectal cancer and see how we’re making an impact in the community.
Get involved with an awareness raising activity. Fun runs, walks, Pickleball Tournaments and other fun events are scheduled across the country throughout the month of March. Get involved, have fun and raise awareness!

Most importantly, get screened starting at age 45!

The most important way you can make a difference in the colon cancer statistics is to get screened. There are many different screening tests available. The one that you’re most likely to follow through with is the best one for you. Recently the FDA approved a blood test that checks for colon cancer DNA. So whether it’s a colonoscopy, a FIT test, CT scan or blood test, there’s a screening test for you. Remember, the recommended age is now 45 to start screening. If you’re at greater risk, you’ll need to talk to your doctor to decide how early you should begin. If you have any symptoms, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, no matter how young you are.

The Bottom Line

Colorectal cancer continues to be a major cause of cancer death in the US and around the world. Awareness of screening options, signs of colon cancer, lifestyle choices and treatment options can help improve survival and even prevent polyps from progressing to cancer. Help raise awareness by following the easy steps outlined in this article. Remember, getting checked is the best way to be aware of your colorectal cancer status. Check it for the ones you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

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To Your Health!

By admin@checkit4, 2 weeksMarch 12, 2025 ago

Mom Genes: How Your Family History Affects Colon Cancer Risk

Fast Facts

People with a first degree relative (parent, son, daughter or sibling) diagnosed with colon cancer before age 60 have an increased risk of getting colon cancer. The risk can be twice that of someone without relatives diagnosed with colon cancer.
Mutations in certain genes that either cause colon cancer, or protect against it, can be passed from parents to their children.
If a family member is diagnosed with colon cancer, the doctor may suggest looking for a gene mutation in that person’s DNA. If a mutation is found, the doctor will likely recommend that close family should be tested, too.

More than 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. About 30% of colon cancer is “familial,” meaning that it’s more likely to run in certain families. But less than 10% of colon cancer is “hereditary,” meaning that it is passed from a parent to a child through a gene mutation. It’s important to know the differences between familial and hereditary because it affects risk, types and frequency of testing, and chances of passing colon cancer genes on to your children. Let’s take a look at how they differ.

Familial vs. genetic colon cancer risk:

Doctors have identified at least 4 gene mutations that are directly linked to developing colon cancer. These “genetic colon cancers” account for about 5-10% of all colon cancers diagnosed every year. If a person has one of these abnormal genes, they are several times more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer than someone who doesn’t have that gene. If the gene mutation is in a person’s sperm or eggs, they can pass the gene on to their children. This increases the risk that the child will develop a colon cancer syndrome at some point in their lifetime.

On the other hand, colon cancer also “runs in the family” in some cases. Doctors may not be able to find a specific gene mutation in most of these cases. That doesn’t mean the cancer isn’t genetic, it just means that doctors don’t have a test for that gene yet. Colon cancer that runs in the family accounts for about 30% of all cases of colon cancer.

What are the types of genetic colon cancer?

There are many different genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Genetic colon cancer mutations can cause cancer in a number of ways:

Mutations in tumor suppressor genes (genes which stop cancer from forming)
Mutations in proto-oncogenes (genes that promote cancer)
Microsatellite mutations (causes the two strands of DNA to mismatch and not repair)

Oncologists (cancer doctors) divide genetic colon cancers into 2 types:

Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)

Only a single gene from one parent is needed to cause cancer (autosomal dominant).
Lynch Syndrome is the most common type of this genetic cancer.
People with this type of colon cancer are at increased risk for other cancers including endometrial, small bowel, stomach and ovarian cancer.

Hereditary polyposis colorectal cancer (HPCC)

Most forms of polyposis colorectal cancers are autosomal dominant.
Familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome is the most common type of this genetic cancer. Other, rarer, syndromes include juvenile polyposis coli, PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Gardner syndrome, Cowden syndrome and others.

If I have a bad gene, does it mean I’ll get colon cancer?

The short answer is no. Having the gene for any type of colon cancer puts you at increased risk, but it’s not a guarantee you’ll be diagnosed. For example, people with Lynch syndrome have about a 75% chance of developing colorectal cancer at some point. Compare that to about 5% in the average population. Each genetic syndrome has a different risk of developing into colon cancer. Doctors can assess risk based on the syndrome and other factors. This can help you determine how often to get screened for colon cancer and other associated cancers.

What if colon cancer runs in my family?

Even when people have a strong family history of colon cancer, doctors usually can’t find a genetic mutation. There are probably genes at work that we don’t have a good test for. Other risk factors that family member have in common that can influence the risk of colon cancer include:

What you eat: If your family eats a lot of highly processed foods, you’re more likely to eat the same foods which puts you at risk
Smoking: Smoking is often a family habit
Weight: Obesity runs in families
Exercise: Parents who are active tend to have children who are active
Environmental exposure: Everyone in a household breathes the same air and drinks the same water for much of the day and night

Keep in mind that these same risk factors also increase the risk for colon cancer in people with inherited cancer risk.

How does family history affect colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45 for all Americans. If you have an increased risk of colon cancer due to family history or genetics, the recommendations are different. Depending on your set of circumstances, your doctor may suggest:

Screening before age 45
Screening more frequently than recommended for low-risk individuals
Using specific screening tests that allow directly looking at the colon (colonoscopy)
Genetic testing on you or your family members
Beginning earlier and more frequent screening on close family members
Screening for other types of cancer

The bottom line

Colon cancer is one of the biggest causes of cancer deaths. Having a family history of colon cancer or certain genetic syndromes increases a person’s risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer and other types of cancer. Genetic mutations in DNA can allow parents to pass risky genes on to their children. Luckily, not everyone with these gene mutations will go on to develop colon cancer. Early and frequent screening can catch cancer while it’s most likely treatable. Ask your doctor when you should get checked. Get checked for you, get checked for your family. Then CheckIt4Andretti!

Here’s how you can help us wipe out colon cancer:

Follow our blog

Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

To Your Health!

By admin@checkit4, 4 weeksFebruary 24, 2025 ago

Rectal Cancer vs. Anal Cancer: What’s the difference and why does it matter?

Rectal Cancer vs. Anal Cancer: What's the difference and why does it matter?

Fast Facts

Rectal cancer and anal cancer are completely different types of cancer, although they happen close together in the body
Rectal cancer is more closely related to colon cancer (colorectal cancer) and anal cancer is more closely related to skin cancer
Anal cancer is rare and is linked to infection with HPV. Rectal cancer is much more common and its major risk factors are similar to those for colon cancer: family or personal history, age, obesity, exercise, smoking and other factors.

Image credit: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.

The rectum and the anus make up the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, gut).

Both the rectum and the anus can develop cancer. Since the areas are so close together on the body (and really hard to see!) it can be easy to confuse the two areas. As a matter of fact, people use the terms interchangeably. But the tissues in rectum and anus are very different. And the cancers they develop are also very different. Here are some key differences, and a few similarities, between rectal and anal cancer.

Anatomy of the lower GI tract

The first part of the gut after the stomach is called the small intestine. Food passes from the stomach into the small intestine, past the appendix and into the cecum. From the cecum, it goes into the colon (made up of the ascending, transverse and descending colon). The sigmoid colon comes next followed by the rectum. Finally, stool passes through the anal canal and out of the body through the anus. The large intestine begins at the cecum and ends with the rectum.

The lining of the rectum closely resembles the lining of the colon. Whereas the tissue lining the anus more like skin. This difference means that different types of cancer can develop in the rectum and anus even though they sit right next to each other.

How does rectal cancer differ from anal cancer?

Rectal cancer and anal cancer differ from each other in a number of ways. Here are some of the main differences:

Location: Rectal cancer happens in the rectum. Anal cancer happens in the anus. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to know which one you’re dealing with because the risk factors, treatment and prognosis are different for the two types of cancer.
Risk factors: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor for anal cancer. There is a vaccine for HPV. Major risk factors for rectal cancer are the same as for colon cancer– age, gender, family history, lifestyle and obesity.
Type of cells that turn into cancer: Anal cancers are mostly caused by squamous cells (skin). Rectal cancers are mostly caused by glandular cells.
Treatment: When caught early, rectal cancer can be treated with surgery alone. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and radiation are done before surgery.On the other hand, anal cancer is treated with radiation and chemotherapy when caught early. Most people with anal cancer don’t ever have to have surgery.
Incidence: Rectal cancer (about 1 in 25 lifetime risk) is much more common than anal cancer (1 in 500 lifetime risk)

How are rectal cancer and anal cancer similar?

Although they are very different diseases, anal and rectal cancers have a few similarities. Some of the biggest similarities are:

Survival rate: The 5 year survival rate for colorectal cancer overall is 64%. For anal cancer it’s 69%. The specific rate varies based on stage at the time of diagnosis.
Early detection saves lives: the earlier anal and rectal cancers are caught, the better the chance of survival. Early detection can also mean less dramatic treatment. Keeping up with regular health check-ups and routine screening will help with earlier detection.

Blood on the toilet paper after wiping is a common reason people see their doctor for both rectal and anal cancer.

The bottom line

Rectal and anal cancers occur within very close proximity to each other, so the terms are frequently used interchangeably. But they’re very different from one another. They grow from different cell types, have different treatments and risk factors. Rectal cancer is much more common than anal cancer. The most important similarities is that both can show up as blood on the toilet paper and that early detection can save lives. If you experience symptoms, like blood in your stool, see your doctor right away. Remember to keep up with routine physical exams and talk to your doctor about the right time for screening tests. Get checked for you, get checked for your family. CheckIt4Andretti.

Here’s how you can help us wipe out colon cancer:

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Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

By admin@checkit4, 2 monthsJanuary 31, 2025 ago

Assessing Your Risk: How to Use the Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool Effectively

Fast Facts:

Colorectal Cancer is the second deadliest cancer for men and women combined. Knowing your risk means you can get screened earlier.
Research shows that effective screening catches colon cancer early, when it’s most curable. Early screening saves lives.
The National Cancer Institute has developed a Risk Assessment Tool that can help you and your healthcare provider decide if you need to be screened before age 45, the current recommendation to begin screening. Using the Risk Assessment Tool effectively can help you make more informed healthcare decisions when it comes to colon cancer.

If you’ve browsed the CheckIt4Andretti website, you know that we emphasize screening for colon and rectal cancer. The national recommendation for people with normal risk for colon cancer, is to start getting screened starting at age 45. Some people are at increased risk, however. Knowing your risk factors is an important step in knowing if you need to get screened earlier. That’s why every article we post includes the National Cancer Institute’s Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. It’s even found on our homepage! Let’s take a look at each question on the risk assessment tool and see how it impacts your chances of developing colorectal cancer.

1. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

This question is important because colon cancer is higher in Hispanic and Latino people compared to other White people. This is especially true for younger Hispanic people. Like other ethnic demographics, colon cancer is rising in the 20-29 year old group.

2. To which ethnicity do you identify?

Black Americans have a much higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. And they have an even greater risk of dying from colon cancer than non-Black people. Since there is a greater incidence and mortality, many Black Americans should be screened younger than the age of 45, especially if they have other risk factors.

3. What is your age?

Conventional wisdom says that the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with colon cancer. This is true. But the incidence of colorectal cancer is actually going down in people over the age of 50. Although it’s still less common in younger people, the rate of colon cancer is increasing in people between the ages of 20-50. As a matter of fact, people born between 1981-1996 have twice the risk of colorectal cancer as people born in 1950.

4. What’s your sex?

Men are at slightly higher risk for colon cancer than women. About 1 in 23 men will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. The risk is about 1 in 25 for women.

5. What's your height and weight?

This question is estimating your BMI or body mass index. It’s an imperfect way to determine if you’re overweight or obese. Body builders have a large muscle mass which increases their overall weight, but they usually have very little fat. So a body builder’s BMI might suggest that they’re obese.

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer, especially in men. And being obese as a child has been linked to an increase in both men’s (39%) and women’s (19%) risk of colorectal cancer at an early age.

6. In the last month, how many servings of vegetables or leafy green salads did you eat per week?

Vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers think that folate,Vitamin B-9, may help prevent colon cells from turning cancerous.

7. In the last year, in how many months did you do any kind of moderate physical activity (no sweating, not out of breath)?

Any amount of activity is good for your body. Moderate activity, for 30-60 minutes, 5 times per week can reduce colon cancer risk.

8. In the last year, in how many months, if any, did you do any kind of vigorous activity (that made you sweat and out of breath)?

Doing 10-20 minutes of vigorous activity, 5 times per week can give the same risk reduction as longer amounts of moderate activity. If you can’t do vigorous or moderate activity, start by doing what you can. Any movement is beneficial and over time, you may be able to do more.

9. During the past 10 years, did you have a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or both?

Studies show that having a colonoscopy on a regular schedule can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer by almost 70%. And it can reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer by almost 90%. That’s because during a colonoscopy, your doctor can see any abnormal tissue (polyps) and remove them before they become cancerous.

10. If you had a colonoscopy, did the doctor find any polyps?

When left untreated, polyps run the risk of turning into colon cancer. Removing the polyp reduces the risk of that happening. Keep in mind, polyp removal isn’t a “one and done” situation. If you have worrisome polyps (large or dysplastic polyps), your gastroenterologist will likely want to perform another colonoscopy sooner than 10 years.

11. During the past 30 days, did you take medications containing aspirin at least 3 times a week, such as Bufferin, Bayer, Excedrin, other generic forms?

Medicines that contain aspirin can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer significantly. Research shows that regular aspirin use can decrease the incidence of colon cancer by about 10%.

12. During the past 30 days, did you take medications that do not contain aspirin at least 3 times a week, such as Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, or Nuprin?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are linked to a lower risk of colon cancer and better survival rates. NSAIDs may reduce the development of polyps by reducing inflammation.

Tylenol is not an NSAID and doesn’t have the same rate of risk reduction as aspirin and other NSAIDs.

13. Do you have any immediate relatives (mother, father, brothers or sisters, sons or daughters) who ever had cancer of the colon or rectum (cancer of the lower intestine)?

Colon cancer is one of the most common genetic conditions in people. The defective gene in colon cancer can’t make a protein responsible for repairing DNA. If a close relative is diagnosed with any type of colorectal cancer, you stand a greater chance of developing it, too. That’s why screening and genetic testing should be considered for anyone with a family history of colon cancer.

The Bottom Line:

The National Cancer Institute’s Risk Assessment Tool is an effective way to estimate a person’s risk for colon or rectal cancer. It asks questions about known risk factors that people diagnosed with colorectal cancer share. Having a high risk doesn’t mean that you’ll get colon cancer. And having a low risk doesn’t mean you’re safe. The risk calculator is simply a tool that can prompt you to get screened earlier. Remember to get checked with a colon cancer screening test beginning at age 45, or earlier if you find you have an increased risk. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti.

Get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

If you’d like to honor John Andretti and his legacy, get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation:

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By admin@checkit4, 4 monthsNovember 18, 2024 ago

Eating Healthy Over the Holidays

Fast Facts:

Most Americans gain 2-5 pounds over the holiday season and being overweight is closely linked to an increased risk for colon cancer.
Substituting locally grown, brightly-colored, whole fruits and vegetables in place of highly processed, sugary and fatty foods can help fight colon cancer.
Limit alcohol and sugar, since both are linked to colon cancer. After 1 or 2 drinks, consider a fancy ‘mocktail’ or non-alcoholic substitute.

Many of us make a New Year’s Resolution to eat healthier and start an exercise routine. But did you know that, on average, Americans gain about 2-5 pounds during the holidays? Most of us never lose that weight. Over time, being overweight can increase the risk for all types of cancer, including colon cancer. And many of the foods we enjoy over the holidays are highly processed and filled with sugar and unhealthy fats, which are also linked to colon cancer.

This year, start your New Year’s Resolution early. Eat and drink foods that will lower your colon cancer risk. You might also be able to avoid that 2-5 pounds of holiday weight gain by choosing healthy, yet festive alternatives. Let’s take a look at some healthy holiday options.

To Your Health!

Toasting the holidays with a glass of champagne or wine is something most of us look forward to. Too much alcohol is linked to an increased colon cancer and rectal cancer risk. The risk is greater for men than women. You don’t have to go cold turkey on Turkey Day! Here are some healthy ways to say cheers:

Limit alcohol to one or two drinks at an event
Hydrate with water ahead of time
Choose one of the many new non-alcoholic alternatives
Spruce up sparkling water or club soda with a twist of lemon, lime or even olives to create your own “mocktail”

Cancer-Fighting Side-Kicks

Side dishes are often the stars of holiday festivities. When you avoid fake fats and processed ingredients, side dishes can become superfood side-kicks. Here are some easy ways to add cancer-fighting nutrients to your favorite feasts:

Instead of casseroles, serve steamed cruciferous vegetables. Cabbage, broccoli, kale, radish, turnip and cauliflower contain nutrients that have been shown to fight cancer. They also contain fiber, which is important for gut health.
Choose sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes are loaded with carotenoids which have also been shown to fight cancer. They also have a lower glycemic index and contain more Vitamin A than white potatoes. Other carotenoid-rich foods include carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin.
Whole grains have more fiber and are more nutrient-dense compared to their processed counterparts. Think making homemade croutons for stuffing using leftover whole wheat bread. You can make stuffing from your homemade croutons, or you could make quinoa stuffing.
Make sure to include a colorful salad, filled with lots of vibrant vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, onions, radishes, green peas, chickpeas, celery, peppers and anything else you want to add.
Along with the salad, you can make your own salad dressing. Olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, garlic, pepper, apple cider vinegar and herbs are all healthy options to spice up your dressings.

The Main Attraction

The centerpiece at almost every holiday meal is usually a big turkey, ham or roast. This year consider bringing in a back-up player. Seafood is a healthy choice to replace traditional meats. Wild caught salmon and other cold water fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have been shown to lower inflammation, a key component of colon cancers.

If you decide to go with a traditional meat, try to choose something that’s lean and free-range, if possible. Fatty meat contributes to inflammation and is linked to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Just Desserts

No holiday party or meal is complete without a special dessert. Consider some colon-friendly confections that are low in sugar, minimally processed and loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients.

Cancer nutritionists recommend a dessert table with some of these tasty treats:

A fresh fruit tray of berries, kiwi, pomegranate, grapes, figs, cherries and citrus
Pumpkin souffle
Apple and cranberry crumble
Baked pears or apples

Remember that store bought desserts can have unhealthy fats and tons of added sugar. When you make them at home, you can choose the healthiest ingredients and control how much sugar and fat you use.

The Bottom Line

The holidays are a time for us to gather around the table with family and friends. What we put on the table can either nourish our bodies and help us fight off cancer or make us more vulnerable. Highly processed foods that contribute to cancer are everywhere, especially during the holidays. With a little bit of extra effort, you can still enjoy the bounty of the season while also warding off colon cancer. And you may be able to avoid those 2-5 pounds of holiday weight gain.

Get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

If you’d like to honor John Andretti and his legacy, get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation:

Volunteer at events as they happen

Donate to our mission

Check your risk with the risk assessment tool

Sign up for our Newsletter!

By admin@checkit4, 5 monthsNovember 4, 2024 ago

500 Breakfast Club Third Annual Golf Outing Benefits CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

CheckIt4Andretti was honored to be the beneficiary of the 500 Breakfast Club’s 3rd Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The group is made up of interested Indycar open wheel enthusiasts and meets for breakfast the first Saturday of each month.

This year’s golf outing, which was held at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Indianapolis, raised $8,739.66. The group’s chairman, Bob Beisel, presented the check to CheckIt4Andretti Secretary, Carolyn Andretti Molander.

Thank you to all the sponsors, donors and volunteers!

Matt Parrott

Mario Andretti

Marissa Andretti

Tony George

Chris Collier

Joyce Jackson

Megan Jackson

Linda Garison

Nena Ray

Jm Oxley

Janay Martin

Packy Wheeler

Chris Hill

Diane Hill

Tony Hill

Delaney Hill

Joe Pritchett

Mike Perry

Dusty Toffolo

Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Ray Skillman

Steve Bradley

Indianapolis Firefighters Credit union

Indianapolis firefighters Local 41

Arizona Sports

Bill and Stephanie Throckmorton

Rick Duman

Mike Lashmitt

Graham Rahal

Bob and Renee Fishburn

Impact Racing

Tyce Carlson

Indiana State Police

Zatz Graphics

Chuck Lessick

Jacqui Lessick

Dr Rob Schroeder

Rick McKenney

USAC

Andy Mohr Chevrolet

Ralph Howard Hansen- Pegasus Marketing group

Marcus Thompson

Pike Fire Retirees. Rick McKinney, Bob Beisel.

Texas Roadhouse, Avon

James Carpenter, Chef at Eagle Creek Golf Club

Hurricane Helene threatened to wave the red flag on the event

Hurricane Helene threatened to dampen the golf outing, but in the end everything went as planned. Bob Beisel summed up things up by writing:

“Hurricane Helene was a threat to our morning activities but a few of us believed that #43 had his say in the matter. The weather did look threatening but as the day pushed forward, we believed that #43, John Andretti was holding the green flag. It was a blessing to all who participated that we only experienced a very light shower towards the end of the outing. It was unbelievable that with an 80% chance of rain that day we were able to successfully complete the day.”

The day turned out nice enough to put the top down on the Indy 500 Corvette Pace Car. Diane Beisel enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat, flashing a bright smile and giving a “thumbs up” for a successful event!

The day in photos

Media 1-F3E5CF04-551C-4210-B671-444EA6E09334

Looking forward to next year’s event

The 4th Annual Golf Outing will be hosted by 500 Breakfast Club on September 27, 2025 at 9 am with a shotgun start. It will be held on the Pines Course at Eagle Creek Golf Club.

CheckIt4Andretti is honored to benefit from next year’s golf outing, as well. If you’d like to volunteer to help or would like to enter, you can reach out to Diane or Bob after New Year’s Day at rpbeisel@outlook.com or dianebeisel@gmail.com by email.

Get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

If you’d like to honor John Andretti and his legacy, get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation:

Volunteer at events as they happen

Donate to our mission

Check your risk with the risk assessment tool

Sign up for our Newsletter!

By admin@checkit4, 5 monthsOctober 16, 2024 ago

CheckIt4Andretti Patient and Partners Featured in UICC’s Series Rewriting Cancer Produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions

CheckIt4Andretti Patient and Partners Featured in UICC's Series Rewriting Cancer Produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions

The CheckIt4Andretti Foundation is honored to have one of its healthcare partners and one of our patients featured in UICC’s series Rewriting Cancer produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions.

The series launched on September 17, 2024 and was promoted at the World Cancer Congress. Made in conjunction with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) the short, easy to understand five-minute films highlight the advances being made in the fight against all types of cancer, around the world.

One film in the series tells the inspirational story of Gladys Dykes, who is the recipient of a CheckIt4Andretti foundation colonoscopy grant. Gladys received an at-home FIT (fecal immunochemical test) at no-cost from CI4A partner Polymedco. The test came back abnormal! Luckily, Gladys didn’t have to worry about what to do next.

Another CI4A Foundation partner, Dr. Vinay Patel at NE Digestive Health in Concord, NC stepped in to make sure Gladys received the care she needed. Using funds from CI4A Foundation, Dr. Patel could provide Gladys with a colonoscopy at no cost to her. Fortunately, Dr. Patel was able to see the large mass that caused Gladys to have an abnormal FIT test and it was removed.

Heartbreakingly, Gladys lost her husband of 16 years to colon cancer a few years ago. When she had an abnormal FIT, Gladys was afraid she might be on the same path as her husband.

In the film, Dr. Patel explains how colon cancer, “Can be a silent disease,” meaning it may not have symptoms. The FIT is an at-home screening test that looks for blood in the stool, which could mean different gastrointestinal problems like colitis, polyps, and colorectal cancer. Since Gladys had a positive FIT, her doctor referred her for a colonoscopy which is an exam used to look for changes in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Gladys’ story has a very happy ending. Even though she didn’t have any symptoms, a safe, easy to use at home FIT alerted Gladys’ doctor to take action. A colonoscopy from our partners at NE Digestive Health found a cancerous mass at the end of her colon. The mass was removed, and Gladys is colon-cancer free and cured!

John Andretti’s legacy lives on through the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation. With our invaluable partners like Polymedco and NE Digestive Health, CI4A is saving precious lives like Gladys’ everyday.

If everyone gets checked with a screening test, we can wipe out colon cancer. Gladys got checked at her annual exam. You should get checked too! Check it for the people you love. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti!

Checkout the Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool

By admin@checkit4, 6 monthsOctober 8, 2024 ago

Tummy Troubles: Could it be IBS, Colon Cancer or Something Else?

Fast Facts

Colorectal cancer (CRC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) share many of the same symptoms and can be confused for each other.
After CRC and IBD are ruled out using lab tests or colonoscopy, IBS can be diagnosed if symptoms come and go for at least 6 months.
IBS does not increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer but IBD such as Crhohn’s or ulcerative colitis does increase the risk of CRC. It’s important to find out what’s causing your stomach problems so you know if you’re at increased risk of developing CRC.

Everyone has experienced gut troubles like abdominal pain, bloating and bowel changes at least once in their life. The problem usually goes away in a day or two. But what if the symptoms stick around for days on end? Or weeks? How do you know if what’s going on inside your belly is something you need to check into? Many things can cause tummy troubles, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).The symptoms of IBS, IBD and CRC overlap. A lot! Let’s take a look at each of these conditions and how to tell them apart.

Symptoms of IBS

There’s no test for IBS. Doctors can’t look at the gut with an X-ray or colonoscopy and tell if it’s IBS causing your discomfort.The symptoms of IBS can overlap with many other conditions including IBD, an ovarian cyst, food poisoning, a simple stomach bug and even colon cancer. But, time is the critical factor in diagnosing IBS. IBS is diagnosed when a person has the following symptoms on and off for at least six months:

+/-Constipation
+/-Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Abdominal bloating
Mucus in your stool
Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement
Symptoms improve after a bowel movement

Doctors will need to rule out more serious diseases like cancer and IBD before diagnosing IBS. It’s important to remember that although IBS can impact quality of life, it doesn’t carry an increased risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.

Symptoms of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease is a medical term for chronic inflammation of the bowel. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the main types of IBD. Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBD to start with, but there seems to be a genetic component and also an immune component. IBD tends to be a lifelong condition once it’s diagnosed.

The symptoms of IBD are similar to IBS. In addition, people with IBD may also experience:

Anemia
Bloody stools
Fatigue
Weight loss

Unlike IBS, doctors can diagnose IBD some of these tools:

Endoscopy for Crohn’s disease
Colonoscopy for UC
Radiology studies like CT or MRI
Stool sample
Blood tests

IBD can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life. And because of the chronic inflammation, it increases a person’s risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. As a matter of fact, IBD is one of the risk factors for CRC.

Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

Symptoms of CRC

The most common symptom of CRC is no symptom at all. But when symptoms are present, they can be similar to IBS and IBD, including:

Changes in bowel habits
Vomiting
Tiredness
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhea
Constipation
Blood in the stool

And recently, skinny stools have been recognized as an indication of potential colon cancer. If you notice that you have very narrow bowel movements for a week or more, talk to your doctor right away.

Why is it important to know if it is IBS, IBD, or colon cancer?

The most obvious reason that it’s important to know what’s causing your abdominal discomfort is that CRC is curable when caught early. Without proper treatment, colon and rectal cancers are almost always fatal. The proper treatment can also make IBS and IBD more tolerable and significantly improve a person’s quality of life. The treatment for each of these is different, so it’s important to recognize which condition you’re dealing with. Early and appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the outcome.

The Bottom Line

There are myriad reasons to have stomach problems in the modern world. While some of them go away on their own, more serious issues persist and even get worse with time. The good news is that when even serious medical problems, like colon cancer, are caught early, they can be treated and oftentimes cured. By running some tests or doing a procedure, your doctor can help determine if your tummy troubles are due to colon cancer or something less worrisome. The only way to know for sure is to get checked out. Check it for the ones you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

By admin@checkit4, 8 monthsAugust 12, 2024 ago

FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon and Rectal Cancer

Fast Facts

The Shield test by Guardant Health is a new blood test for colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer) which detects cancer DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the blood.
Shield is very sensitive for detecting Stage II, III, IV colorectal cancers, but very limited for polyps and Stage I cancers. It needs to be repeated every 3 years.
Shield isn’t for everyone. It’s not recommended as a screening test for anyone who has a family history of colorectal cancer, a family or personal history of certain genetic disorders, a personal history of adenomas or other positive screening test.
Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for screening for colon and rectal cancer. The best screening test is the one that you’ll actually do and stay up to date with.

A few months ago, CheckIt4Andretti reported on an exciting new blood test for colon and rectal cancers (CRC). The test wasn’t FDA-approved at that time, but recently it jumped the last hurdle and now Shield by Guardant Health has been recognized as a valid test option. Many people don’t follow through with other CRC screening tests like colonoscopy, FIT or radiographic tests because they seem complicated or kind of gross. New blood screening tests are quick and easy. And now that they have FDA approval, they can be covered by Medicare and insurance. Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks to ctDNA blood testing as a screening test for CRC.

cfDNA tests explained

All cells use DNA as an instruction manual for making the proteins that control metabolism, growth and cell division. Cancer cells use the same kind of DNA as healthy cells. But changes in DNA (mutations) allow cancer cells to grow at a much faster rate than normal, break free of neighboring cells and spread to parts of the body where they don’t belong. When the fast-growing cancer cells die, they break open and spill their DNA into the bloodstream. Doctors can check the blood for cancer DNA using special tests that look for mutations.

cfDNA testing is also called a liquid biopsy because it uses blood (a liquid) instead of the traditional solid tumor biopsy. It is much easier and less expensive to draw a vial of blood than to do a tumor biopsy. A phlebotomist can draw blood with tests in a lab, whereas a trained professional like a surgeon is needed for a solid tumor biopsy.

You might see terms like cfDNA (cell-free DNA) or ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) along with liquid biopsy. The terms aren’t exactly the same, but they’re all ways of describing a way of looking for small fragments of DNA circulating in the blood. cfDNA can come from normal cells or cancer cells. ctDNA comes only from tumor cells. There are circulating DNA tests for many different kinds of cancers, prenatal tests and inherited diseases.

Is a liquid biopsy better than the other tests?

Yes and no.

Yes, because Guardant Health reports a 90% follow-through rate for their liquid biopsy. All other screening tests have about a 50% follow-through rate. More than 1 in 3 Americans are behind on recommended screening for CRC. If you’re more likely to follow through with a test, then it’s better than the one you won’t follow through with.

No, because liquid biopsy doesn’t pick up polyps or Stage I cancer very well. That’s because there’s not a lot of cancer DNA in the blood early on. And cfDNA testing isn’t for everyone. Among the people who cfDNA tests aren’t indicated include:

People who’ve recently had a different abnormal screening test, like stool tests or radiology tests
Those with a family history of colon cancer
Individuals with risk factors like IBD, Lynch Syndrome or Familial Andenomatous Polyposis
People who have a history of colon cancer, adenomas or related cancer

If you have a positive cfDNA test, you will need to follow-up with a colonoscopy. That’s because cfDNA tests like Shield only tell you IF you have cancer. It doesn’t tell you what stage or how aggressive the cancer is. Only a colonoscopy with a biopsy can give you the full picture.

Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for CRC screening. But if you’re one of the 50% who’s unlikely to get a colonoscopy or do a stool-based test, then a blood test is a great option.

Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

How good is the cfDNA test?

The data for Shield is very good, but not as good as a colonoscopy. The later the stage, the more likely you’ll get a positive test. Shield’s sensitivity for each stage are as follows:

Sensitivity measures how likely a test is to detect an illness if that illness is present.

The Shield test is 90% specific. That means that 1 in 10 people who do not have CRC will test positive. A positive screening test is always a reason for a colonoscopy.

The Bottom Line

Colorectal cancer has become the second deadliest cancer for men and women. Screening can detect CRC early when it’s most curable. Right now, only about 50% of people follow through with getting their screening test done. New liquid biopsies like Guardant Health’s Shield test are quick, convenient and affordable. They have a higher follow-through rate, meaning more people are likely to get the test done. The test isn’t for everyone, so talk to your doctor. If you’re reluctant to get a stool based test or colonoscopy, a simple blood test may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Remember, a lot of people are counting on you, so get checked out. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti.

By admin@checkit4, 8 monthsAugust 5, 2024 ago