Editor’s Note: a guest post by Elbert Guillory, US Navy veteran and former Louisiana state senator

As families across the country gather around the table this Thanksgiving, conversations will span life updates, upcoming plans, sports, current events and, naturally, expressions of gratitude. But Thanksgiving is also National Family Health History Day, a timely reminder that discussing your family’s health history – who had what conditions, what to watch for, and what runs in the family – is just as meaningful a conversation as any. And when it comes to cancer risk, early detection is our most powerful tool.

Finding cancer earlier makes a significant difference in a person’s chance of survival. Take colorectal cancer, the second deadliest cancer in Louisiana, for example.  When detected early, the five-year survival rate is an encouraging 91 percent, but drops sharply to just 13 percent for later-stage diagnoses. The same pattern holds true with other commonly diagnosed and deadly cancers in our state, such as breast and lung cancer. Thankfully, there are ways to catch all these cancers early with regular screening.

But even with the big difference early detection makes, most Americans aren’t keeping up with their recommended screenings. A recent survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network found that 31 percent of adults have been more than one year behind on their recommended cancer screenings. And more than 50 million people, including 1.6 million U.S. veterans, are not up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings.

Between taking time off work, coordinating transportation or finding childcare, it’s easy to let routine screenings fall to the wayside. And when you add in the hassle and awkwardness of prepping for standard colorectal cancer screenings, it’s no wonder so many people put off these routine tests.

As a veteran, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to keep up with preventive healthcare. Many veterans face extra hurdles, like navigating complex VA systems, dealing with service-related health concerns, or adjusting to civilian life, that can make it even harder to prioritize routine screenings. A strong sense of self-reliance and the habit of pushing through hardship – values ingrained during military service – also often lead veterans, like me, to “tough it out” when facing health issues. While this mindset serves veterans well in active duty, it can prevent veterans from seeking timely or preventive healthcare after their service. But veterans are at higher risk for certain cancers, adding another layer of urgency to making prevention a priority for ourselves and our families.

Sadly, Louisiana has one of the highest cancer death rates in the country, with 165 cancer-related deaths per 100,000 people – well above the national average of 145 per 100,000. When the friction of getting screened feels too high, people delay or skip screening entirely, leading to later cancer diagnoses and worsening their outcome.

We need a fundamental shift in how we approach cancer screening in Louisiana. Raising awareness about cancer screening and improving access is something we can all contribute too. And with the introduction of less invasive screening technologies like Shield, the first FDA-approved blood test for colorectal cancer for those aged 45 and older at average risk, overcoming the barriers associated with completing routine screening is within our reach.

This Thanksgiving, consider starting a conversation about your family’s health history around the dinner table – it could be the first step toward a healthier future. If you or a loved one are at risk or due for cancer screening, take the time to learn about your options and talk with your doctor about a plan. By taking these simple steps, we can give Louisiana and our families a stronger fighting chance against cancer, helping everyone live longer, healthier lives.