Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which is meant to promote the importance of colon cancer screenings.
Colon, or colorectal, cancer is when abnormal cells in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon) begin to grow uncontrollably. Though there is no single cause of colon cancer, the risk factors that put you at higher risk include:
• Being older than 60
• Being of African American and Easter European descent
• Eating a diet high in red or processed meat
• Having cancer in other parts of the body
• Having a family history of colon cancer
• Having a personal history of breast cancer
Common symptoms that might suggest a problem include black, tar-like stools blood during your bowel movements or change in bowel habits.
If these occur contact your physician as soon as possible.
Because many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms, the most important way to prevent colon cancer is to be screened regularly. In most cases, colon cancer is a treatable disease if caught early. Therefore, it is recommended that all men and women age 50 and older have regular colon cancer screenings. Those at high risk, as stated previously, may need to be screened earlier.
Other ways to help prevent the development of colon cancer include not smoking, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Due to increased public awareness and screenings, the death rate for colon cancer has dropped dramatically in the past 15 years. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Marion Regional Healthcare System is offering free at home colorectal screening kits on a limited basis. To obtain your free kit call the Education Department at (843) 431-2080.
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