|
|
|
Do Yourself a Favor and Get Informed
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and CIG is working to help spread awareness by providing you with information. Colorectal cancer is a genuine threat to Americans and, in order to combat this deadly disease, it is imperative that we arm ourselves. Knowledge is one of the most efficient weapons we can add to our arsenal. Information can serve as the gateway to prevention of colorectal cancer. Click here to learn more about colorectal cancer and what you can do about it.
10 things that every health conscious American should know about colorectal cancer:
1.Colorectal cancer is the SECOND leading cause of cancer death.
There are over 130,000 new cases and about 55,000 deaths each year from colorectal cancer in the United States.
2.AGE is the most important risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases after the age of 50. A family history of colorectal cancer also increases your risk.
3.Colorectal cancer DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE against race or gender.
However, African Americans should e screened at an earlier age.
4.Colorectal cancer begins as benign growths, called POLYPS, that form on the inside lining of the colon. About 30% of individuals will have adenomatous (precancerous) polyps.
5.Polyps and many early cancers DO NOT CAUSE SYMPTOMS.
Consult your physician if you have any symptoms such as unexplained change in your bowel movements, blood in the stool, weight loss, or abdominal pain.
6.A COLONOSCOPY is the BEST test to detect and remove precancerous polyps. No other test can come close.
7.The WORST part of a colonoscopy is the PREPERATION.
You must get “cleaned out” before the colonoscopy but you are generally sedated for the procedure.
8.GASTROENTEROLOGISTS are the physicians that are trained and experienced at performing colonoscopy. Many gastroenterologists perform over 1000 colonoscopies every year.
9.A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. A low fat diet, a proper weight, and even aspirin and calcium may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
10.Colorectal cancer is PREVENTABLE! Remove polyps and prevent cancer.
|
|
