National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, is held in the month of March every year. It was in the year 2000 that President Clinton officially recognized National Colorectal Cancer Month. Since then, various organizations have worked together to try and raise awareness and increase early detection. The awareness offers healthcare providers who care for patients with diseases of the colon and rectum a valuable opportunity to educate their community about these diseases and promote awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. These efforts may also provide a window into the profession and encourage others to consider careers in the field of colon and rectal surgery.
What is Colorectal Cancer (CRC)?
It is a disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening and highly treatable when detected early. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease and more than 50,000 die. Colorectal cancer may develop without symptoms. If you are 45 or older and at average risk, it's time to get screened.
Various Information and Facts
• According to the American Cancer Society, anyone can develop Colon cancer, but some studied factors are: A diet that’s high in red meats (such as beef, pork, lamb, or liver) and processed meats (like hot dogs and deli meat) raises your colorectal cancer risk. Age and smoking are also risk factors. The best thing you can do to avoid this cancer is to stay active, don’t smoke, eat a diet full of vegetables instead of red meat, and get regular colon screenings, starting at age 45, or younger, if you have a family member who has had this cancer.
• Colon cancer is treatable and is not necessarily a death sentence. The reason the cancer is more deadly for U.S. adults is because 20-25% of patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, which means the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Still, this may be cured with a range of treatment options available, including surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on how far the cancer has spread.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Recommended Activities:
• Do Research - The scientific medical community is always coming up with new discoveries and new findings, and the statistics change over time. Do some research and educate yourself so that your awareness improves and you can pass that knowledge on to those around you.
• Talk about it - Though the word ‘cancer’ is difficult to bring up on its own, this cancer is common, and nothing to be ashamed of. You could save a life if you recommend a friend to get screened.
• Post On social media - Share the knowledge of this preventable disease, and encourage others to do the same, shame-free.
Five (5) Facts About Colon Cancer
1. A person may have colon cancer, with no symptoms at all. According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer often do not have any symptoms.
2. If you were born in the 90s - You have double the risk of colon cancer and, four times the risk of rectal cancer than those born in 1950. A disappointing statistic for any millennials.
3. Colon cancer runs in the family - People with a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer have two or three times the risk of developing colon cancer, compared to those with no family history of the disease.
4. It is the 3rd leading cause of death for young adults - The CCC estimates that in 2020, there will be about 18,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in people under 50, the equivalent of 49 new cases per day.
5. Screening works - Colorectal cancer incidence rates in individuals of screening age have been declining in the U.S. since the mid-1980s. This is due to increased awareness and screening, but the screening rate remains low, especially among those who are uninsured or don’t have doctor’s offices within reasonable driving distance of their home.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Time, Stay Safe and Well!