Friday, March 10, 2006
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
-More than ninety percent of cases occur in people age 50 and older-
In addition to being National Nutritional Month, March is also recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since I work for a governmental public health agency, the entire month of March we are highlighting this form of cancer to educate and increase awareness for all persons, especially those ages 50 and older.
Colorectal cancer, most commonly known as colon cancer, develops in the colon or rectum and according to the National Cancer Institute, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for men and women combined. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in the year 2006, there will be a total of 148,610 new diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer (106,680 colon and 41,930 rectum) and 55,170 deaths.
All cancers are potentially life-threatening. However, 90 percent of all colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented when it is diagnosed early on. It is recommended that all persons, over the age of 50, get regularly-screened in order to detect the problem early. According to studies, African Americans are at a higher risk for the disease than other populations. Experts have suggested that African Americans get screened beginning at age 45. Unfortunately, there is also evidence that African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to have screening tests for colorectal cancer. This is why awareness of this disease is so important. You cannot protect yourself if you do not know the facts!
Risk factors that increase a person's chance of getting colorectal cancer include:
Person age 50 and older are encouraged to consult with their primary physician to assess their risks and seek treatment if diagnosed.
For more information about colorectal cancer, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site or call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.
On your way to a happier, healthier you!
In addition to being National Nutritional Month, March is also recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since I work for a governmental public health agency, the entire month of March we are highlighting this form of cancer to educate and increase awareness for all persons, especially those ages 50 and older.
Colorectal cancer, most commonly known as colon cancer, develops in the colon or rectum and according to the National Cancer Institute, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for men and women combined. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in the year 2006, there will be a total of 148,610 new diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer (106,680 colon and 41,930 rectum) and 55,170 deaths.
All cancers are potentially life-threatening. However, 90 percent of all colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented when it is diagnosed early on. It is recommended that all persons, over the age of 50, get regularly-screened in order to detect the problem early. According to studies, African Americans are at a higher risk for the disease than other populations. Experts have suggested that African Americans get screened beginning at age 45. Unfortunately, there is also evidence that African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to have screening tests for colorectal cancer. This is why awareness of this disease is so important. You cannot protect yourself if you do not know the facts!
Risk factors that increase a person's chance of getting colorectal cancer include:
- Family history of the disease
- Racial and ethnic background (African Americans are at a higher risk)
- Personal history of cancerous colorectal polyps or bowel disease
- Age (50+)
- Fatty diets
- Lack of exercise
- Overweight
- Smoking, and
- Heavy alcohol consumption
Person age 50 and older are encouraged to consult with their primary physician to assess their risks and seek treatment if diagnosed.
For more information about colorectal cancer, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site or call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.
On your way to a happier, healthier you!
