Colorectal Cancer
Are You at Risk?
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — and it's a big deal. Just look at the stats:
- Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S.
- This type of cancer results in the third-most cancer-related deaths.
- For men, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23. For women it’s 1 in 25.
The number of deaths due to colorectal cancer has dropped. However, figures have increased among people younger than age 55 in recent years.
Source: American Cancer Society
Lower Your Risk
Colorectal cancer is very preventable, treatable and beatable. When it's found and removed early, your likelihood of a full recovery is excellent. To lower your risk:
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
- Exercise at least three days a week for at least 20 minutes.
- Get regular colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Talk to Your Provider
Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages and often develops over years. You should get a colonoscopy, or another type of screening, even if you're younger than 45 and have a personal or family history of:
- Colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Or ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer
Talk to your provider about colon cancer screening. He or she can refer you to one of Enloe’s specialty clinics (General and Colorectal Surgery or Digestive Health) for a colonoscopy. You’ll be in good hands.
Enloe shines among colon cancer treatment centers. It was recently named a top performer in colon cancer surgery by U.S. News & World Report, and Healthgrades recognized Enloe as one of America’s 100 Best for Gastrointestinal Care.
Enloe Regional Cancer Center
(530) 332-4700 | Contact Us Online | Map