Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally – 140,000 people are
diagnosed with the disease every year. But colorectal cancer is preventable, and
can be successfully treated and is often curable when detected early.
To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, the American Society of Colon and Rectal
Surgeons recommends that you:
• Get regular colorectal cancer screenings after age 50. Between 80-90%
of colorectal cancer patients are restored to normal health if their cancer
is detected and treated in the earliest stages.
• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. If you use tobacco, quit.
If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start. Alcohol and tobacco in combination
are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
• Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate
exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing steps may help.
Colorectal cancer is extremely preventable if polyps that lead to the cancer are
detected and removed, and it is very curable if the cancer is detected in its early
stages. Since there are very few symptoms associated with colorectal cancer,
regular screening is essential. Talk to your colorectal surgeon or other healthcare
provider about colorectal cancer and what kind of screening test is right for you.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Month, founded by the Cancer Research Foundation
of America. Talk with your heath care provider about
colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is preventable,
and is easy to treat and often curable when detected
early. Ask you health care provider what kind of
screening test you should have and when.
