Are you 50 or older? Do you or a family member have a history or colon polyps or colorectal cancer? Please call your Gastroenterologist today to make an appointment for a screening. Colorectal cancer, (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer. There is no discrimination of colorectal cancer in races and is often found in people 50 years or older. In some cases, people with a family history of colon polyps or colorectal history may develop symptoms. This is the only preventable cancer by early detection with a screening. A colonoscopy will find the precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) through an endoscope. The gastroenterologist will remove these polyps and have them biopsied.
If EVERYONE 50 years or older were screened regularly, 60% deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Screenings can find polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. Screenings finds this cancer early, when treatment is most effective. These polyps don’t always show symptoms, at first. You could have the polyps and don’t know. That is why the screening is so important.
Some symptoms may include:
- Blood in your stool
- Stomach pain, aches, or cramps
- Losing unexplained weight
In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared March as nationally recognize Colon Awareness Month. Let’s encourage everyone to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and educate one another of the prevention of this cancer. Wearing blue reminds everyone to discuss this cancer and encourage everyone to take steps for its prevention.
What can you do?
- Get screened
- Stay physically active – encourage others to participate with you
- Lower alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
March 4 is “Dress in Blue Day,” wear blue and email your pictures to nina@gastroclinic.com!
