National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Kristen Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States for both men and women, but it doesn’t have to be. This ranking could significantly be reduced if more individuals were regularly screened for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer occurs in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).

Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women.

Through screening, precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) can be detected and removed before they become cancerous. Screening can also help find cancer in its early stages, when the chances of treatment and cure are much higher. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancer is found early and treated are still alive five years later.

Due to lower screening rates, colorectal cancer tends to be found in later stages in Native Americans. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to stay this way. It is recommended that Native Americans be screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 40. Talk to your doctor about when you should be screened and the different screening options available. It could save your life! Spread the word about colorectal cancer and encourage loved ones to get screened.

References:

www.fhcrc.org/patient/ccc/americanindians.html; www.ihs.gov; www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal