| March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Minnie Hamilton Health System would like to encourage all readers to take a step toward good colorectal health by knowing the facts about this disease that is needlessly killing thousands of people each year.
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancerâcancer of the colon or rectumâis the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. However, many people who are at risk for the disease are not being screened according to national guidelines.
It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Some studies show that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent colorectal cancer.
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50 and then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if:
⢠You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or
⢠You have inflammatory bowel disease.
If you are aged 50 or older, or think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting screened.
Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you. These screening tests are recommended by the USPSTF:
⢠Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
⢠High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (every year).
⢠Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years).
In addition to these tests, some groups also recommend the double contrast barium enema as a screening test (every 5 years).
For more information about colorectal cancer, visit www.cdc.gov
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