First and foremost, cancer of any form sucks.
Fortunately, some cancers are preventable and detectable early on, so it’s important to stay on top of your health, even if it is a little scary.
This year, the American Cancer Society expects over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC), with a predicted 52,000 deaths from it. Since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, now is as good a time as ever to bring some awareness to your rectal health.
As with last year, when the Cheeky Charity ran the #MarchYourButts campaign, the charity is once again inviting us all to join the #CheekyChallenge by grabbing a friend, going outdoors, and “snapping some cheeky photos.”
RuPaul's Drag Race alumni Jackie Cox participated in 2022's #cheekychallengephoto by Matt Monath
The campaign this year is in partnership with Doctor Carlton, who spends his days doing colonoscopies to detect and prevent the cancer. He recommends getting screened starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer or have an underlying condition. The Cheeky Charity also estimates that by 2030, the incidence of early-age onset (EAO) CRC — those diagnosed under 50 — will increase more than 140%, which could result in more than 27,000 people under age 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Outside of regular screening, symptoms like rectal bleeding, increased constipation, weight loss or unexplained abdominal pain should also encourage earlier testing.
To join the challenge, utilize the Cheeky Charity’s Challenge Tool to post your bum to social media. The picture can be clothed, semi-exposed, or bare. Add the “peach heart” logo provided, and choose from some sample captions, if you’d like. Either way, be sure to hashtag #CheekyChallenge to share your photo and spread the awareness!
