March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER?
Colorectal cancer is any cancer that starts in any part of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) or the rectum (the last part of the large intestine).
The National Cancer Institute estimated:
New cases in 2014
96,830 with colon cancer
40,000 with rectal cancer
Deaths
50,310 colon and rectal combined
Colorectal cancer starts as a growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps and most of them are not cancerous, but some of them can turn into cancer. If caught early, they can be removed, reducing the risk of cancer. Screening is the best way to catch these polyps.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends:
Screening for adults (both men and women) at age 50 and continue until 75 years
A person’s risk of colon cancer will depend on other factors such as family history, age, cigarette smoking and alcohol intake, etc. It is important to talk to your doctor to figure out the best individual screening schedule.
IF YOU ARE DUE FOR A SCREENING OR IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, CLICK BELOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
