March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month.
****3rd most common Cancer among both Men and Women*****
****CRC is the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths****
****1 in 20 risk of developing Colorectal Cancer (CRC)****
****137,000 People Will Be Diagnosed This Year (USA)****
****50K Will Die From This Curable and Preventable Disease****
72% Arise in the Colon
28% Arise in the Rectum
Are You At Increased Risk For Colorectal Cancer (CRC)?
1. Age 50 or greater
2. Smoker/Tobacco Use
3. Overweight/Obese
4. Sedentary…..No/Poor Physical Activity
5. Alcohol Abuse
6. Red meat (Beef/Pork/Lamb)
Processed Meats (Bacon/Sausage/Hotdog/Coldcuts)
7. Personal or Family History of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
8. Personal or Family History of Colon Polyps
9. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s)
What Are The Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
1. Change in Bowel Habits
2. Blood in Stool (Bright Red, Maroon, Black Tarry)
3. Narrow/Pencil Thin Stool
4. Abdominal Pain/Bloating/Cramps
5. Diarrhea/Constipation/Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movement
6. Unexplained Weight Loss
7. Fatigue
8. Vomiting
What Treatments Are Available for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)?
****Depends on the Size and Location of the Tumor, Spread to Lymph Nodes and Involvement of Other Organ Systems*****
The Best Outcome is Based Upon:
1. Early Detection
Screening Colonoscopy Starting at Age 50 (General Population)
** Close Follow Up and Screening Studies Will Vary for Patients
With A History of Polyps, Colorectal Cancer, Inflammatory
Bowel Disease and Familial Syndromes (Ex. Familial
Polyposis)**
2. Aggressive and Prompt Work-Up for Patients With Suspicious
Symptoms, as listed above.
What Can You Do To Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)?
1. Avoid Tobacco Use
2. Avoid Red Meats and Processed Meats
3. Physical Activity……30 minutes, 5 days per week….or as recommended by your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or Healthcare Provider (HCP)
4. Begin Screening Colonoscopy at 50 years of age, or as recommended by your PCP, based upon your individual risk factors
Options For Colorectal Cancer Screening:
Stool Occult Blood Test (FOBT)Guaiac………..Every Year
Virtual/CT Colonoscopy……………………………..Every 5 years
Double Contrast Barium Enema………………….Every 5 years
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy……………………………..Every 5 years
Screening Colonoscopy……………………………..Every 10 years
5. FRUITS, VEGETABLES and WHOLE GRAINS
*****Always make sure to see your Physician annually, or as directed for your specific care. If you begin experiencing symptoms in between visits, notify your doctor right away!****
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY TO YOUR HEALTH!!!!!
RESOURCES……
1. For Great Information on Counseling, Podcasts, Reading Materials, Support Networks and General Information, Check Out CancerCare.Org.….
http://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/colorectal_cancer
CALL: 800‑813‑HOPE (4673)……Oncology/Cancer Social Worker
EMAIL: info@cancercare.org
2. Colon Cancer Alliance
http://www.ccalliance.org/get-information/news/
CALL: 877.422.2030
If you have additional concerns, questions or recommendations, please leave a comment and PLEASE SHARE!!!!
As Always,
Be well. Be safe. Take care.
Lisa Whitty Bradley, M.D., FACS
CEO & Founder
Chicks With MDs, LLC
www.chickswithmds.com
For more critical information on Colorectal Cancer, check out our Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram!
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References:
http://www.ccalliance.org/…/what-is-colon-cancer/statistics/
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/race.htm
http://preventcancer.org/le…/preventable-cancers/colorectal/