Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and there are some important, and yet simple things you can do to raise awareness and take action toward prevention.

First, the bad news.  Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women.  It affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older.

Some of the leading risk factors to getting colorectal cancer are:

• Being over 50 years old.
• Use of alcohol and tobacco.
• Lack of physical exercise.
• Low-fiber diet.
• Personal history of inflammatory intestinal conditions.
• Family history of colon cancer.

The good news? If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to encourage people to get screened.

Use this month to make a difference.  Communities, organizations, families, and individuals can get involved and spread the word.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Encourage families to get active together – physical activity may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Talk to family, friends, and people in your community about the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.
• Ask doctors and nurses to talk to patients age 50 and older about the importance of getting screened.

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