March 2010 is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 2010 marks the eleventh annual celebration of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States." It is also one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in this country. The term "colorectal cancer" includes all cancers that occur in the colon or rectum. Because of these grim statistics, as well as the fact that this type of cancer is highly preventable, it is crucial that people be educated about the disease and spread their knowledge.

Countless numbers of us have either been personally affected by some form of cancer, or we know someone who has been. Several years ago, my own father was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, which I touch upon in my personal story, "Daddy's Little Girl." It was a very frightening time for our family, and it had never crossed my mind that something like this could even happen. It was as though the diagnosis had materialized from thin air; however, we soon realized that Dad had been experiencing symptoms of colon cancer for quite some time. All colorectal cancers start out as a polyp that can easily be removed. If left untreated, the polyp soon develops into cancer.

Since prevention plays a major role in the incidence of any disease, the importance of colorectal cancer screenings cannot be emphasized enough. It is estimated that if everyone in this country over the age of 50 had regular screenings, at least 60% of the deaths from this form of cancer could be prevented. The importance of screenings becomes even more apparent when we understand that precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer do not always immediately present any symptoms. In other words, having colorectal cancer for quite some time and not even realizing it is a real possibility.

There are several different types of colorectal cancer screenings one can get from a qualified healthcare provider. The most common of these procedures is colonoscopy. Although many people avoid getting a colonoscopy for reasons of modesty or feelings of embarrassment, this routine screening has saved countless lives. During this procedure, a physician inserts a thin, flexible tube with a light on the end through the anus to check for polyps and evidence of cancer in the rectum and the colon. If the physician does find polyps or cancer, it is often possible to remove them during this procedure as well.

As stated, the symptoms of colorectal cancers usually only manifest themselves in the later stages. These symptoms include blood within or on your bowel movement; changes in bowel habits; persistent bloating, stomach cramps, aches or pains; diarrhea; extreme fatigue; anemia; and a sudden loss of weight with no explanation. Any of these symptoms could be caused by other conditions, which is why it is so important to immediately consult a physician when experiencing any of them. Procrastination in seeking medical attention when any of these symptoms arise can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Being over the age of 50, obese, sedentary, a smoker, or having a family history of colorectal cancers are all contributing factors to putting one at risk for this deadly disease. If you have any of the symptoms or risk factors, do not delay. Schedule a colorectal cancer screening today!

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month." www.cdc.gov