March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the colon or rectum, it is called colorectal cancer. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short.

In the United States, it is the third most common cancer for men and women.  People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.

If you have symptoms, they may include:

    Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).

    Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don't go away.

    Losing weight and you don't know why.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.  Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.

Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:

    Get screened starting at age 50.

    Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

    Get active and eat healthy.

While screening rates have increased in the U.S., not enough people are getting screened for colorectal cancer—  As of 2008, 62.9% of adults aged 50–75 years were screened as recommended. In 2002, only 51.9% of Americans were screened as recommended.

While screening rates continue to rise in the U.S., 22 million people are still not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening.

If your doctor has recommended colon cancer screening, you might be able to choose from various colon cancer screening tests. If you're reluctant to make a decision, remember that any discomfort or embarrassment from colon cancer screening is temporary — and detecting problems early could save your life.

If you are aged 50 or older, get screened now. If you think you may be at higher than average risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting screened early.

The health center has Fecal Immunoglobulin test kits available at our office for the cost of $35.  This test screens for digestive tract bleeding, which may be an indicator of colon cancer.  The recommendation is to have this test beginning at age 50 as part of a routine examination to screen for colon cancer or as directed by your doctor based on family medical history. The procedure requires taking home a test kit and collecting fecal samples, which are then submitted to our lab.  The test must be paid for in advance. 

Source: CDC