Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office?

Q: My moms’ group insists that natural immunity is better than the measles vaccine. Is this true?

A: Catching measles naturally gives lifelong immunity, but it comes with serious risk. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. If an infected person is in a room, up to 9 out of 10 susceptible people who enter can catch it. Before the vaccine was developed, 3 million to 4 million Americans contracted measles yearly. Of those, thousands were hospitalized, many developed brain swelling (encephalitis) and 400 to 500 died, most of them young children.

Measles is making a comeback in the U.S. Even for children who recover, measles can temporarily “reset” their immune system, making them more likely to get other infections for months afterward.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the same strong protection — about 97% after two doses — without those dangers. It’s been used for over 50 years, with more than a billion doses given worldwide. Side effects are usually mild (sore arm or brief fever), and serious reactions are extremely rare.

Vaccinating children protects others, especially those under 12 months who are too young for the MMR vaccine and at highest risk for complications. When children are vaccinated, it builds protective immunity and keeps everyone safer and healthier.

— Adam Brady, MD, Medical Director, Samaritan Infectious Disease – Corvallis

Q: I’m a busy mom! My health is good so I wonder: Do I really need to start colorectal cancer screening at age 45?

A: It’s important to follow screening guidelines, even if you are in good health. The American Cancer Society was the first to lower the age to 45 years for colorectal cancer screening because so many younger people were being diagnosed. In fact, 1 in 25 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. When caught early, this disease is highly treat-able, with survival rates around 90%.

There are screening choices that work for even the busiest moms:

• FIT (fecal immunochemical test): Simple at-home test is done yearly, if results are normal.

• FIT-DNA (Cologuard): Simple at-home test that checks for DNA changes is done every three years,

  if results are normal.

• Colonoscopy: In-clinic test that is the most thorough and allows for polyp removal. This is done every 10 years, unless recommended otherwise.

Each option has pros and cons for cost, time and comfort. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Learn more at samhealth.org/ColonHealth. No matter how busy you are, it’s very important not to delay. Cancer screenings truly do save lives.

— Chad Morse, MD Samaritan Gastroenterology – Corvallis

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