Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – Time to Get Screened

The month of March every year is dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Awareness and the emphasis is on getting screened and knowing how to prevent and fight colon cancer.

Highlights:

The month of March is observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is treatable, which occurs in the colon or rectum or both
It is the second leading cause of cancer death and third most common cancer in the U.S
Early detection makes it highly treatable through surgery and chemotherapy

The month of March every year is dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness and the importance of preventive measures, screening and treatment of the cancer is highlighted. A dark blue awareness ribbon is associated with colorectal cancer awareness.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - March 2017
Colorectal cancer awareness month is observed in the month of March to promote, and educate people on the importance of early screening to prevent cancer.

‘The month of March is observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it is time to get screened this year to prevent and fight cancer.’
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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is potentially fatal, but treatable.

Cancer has been identified as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
The American Cancer Society has estimated that 50,260 will die from this disease and 95,520 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 39,910 with rectal cancer

Cancer begins as a clump of cells known as polyps in the lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps over time, with age, may turn cancerous. Hence, early detection using appropriate screening techniques for the removal of pre-cancerous polyps is recommended to prevent the development of cancer.

Diet and Colorectal Cancer: What is the Connection?
What you eat plays a crucial role in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Find out how food and dietary habits are linked to colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer – Prevention

Prevention remains the most important and cost-effective approach to control all forms of cancer. Eating well, eating right, exercising, knowing and understanding family history, avoiding alcohol and tobacco are strategies recommended to keep cancer at bay.

Though colorectal cancer is commonly found in people over 50 years of age, the proportion of cases diagnosed in those below 50 has been steadily increasing. African Americans and those with a first-degree relative having colorectal cancer are at a higher risk of developing cancer. It is recommended that people from this group start getting screened earlier and more frequently than the others.

Early Detection and Screening Can Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, is on the rise among both men and women. However, early diagnosis and screening can save millions of lives and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer symptoms may include:

Change in bowel habits – diarrhea or constipation
Persistent abdominal discomfort – pain, cramps, feeling bloated
Rectal bleeding – blood in the stool
Fatigue and weakness – weight loss, nausea, vomiting

These symptoms may be associated with other health conditions as well and require a medical professional’s opinion and should not be ignored. Pain is not one of the early signs of cancer and all adults over 50 years of age should get screened irrespective of the presence of the symptoms.

Eating Garlic, Onions May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk
Eating lots of garlic, leeks, and onions may lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Getting screened is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is recommended that all men and women, irrespective of individual risk factors should start getting screened once they turn 45.

Early detection helps in preventing polyps from turning cancerous and in their timely removal.

The following are some of the screening methods used

Colonoscopy
recommended every 5-10 years
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFBOT): required annually
Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): annually
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: every 5 years
Virtual Colonoscopy: every 5 years
Stool DNA: every 3 years
Double Contrast Barium Enema: every 5-10 years

Treating Colorectal Cancer

Staging is the process that is used to determine the extent to which cancer has spread within the colon or rectum and to the other body parts. Staging helps in deciding the best treatment plan for a patient.

The following are the various stages of cancer and the treatment options available:

In Stage 0, cancer has not moved from where it started – surgery
In Stage 1, cancer has begun to spread – surgery
In Stage 2, cancer has spread to nearby tissues – surgery/chemotherapy/radiation
In Stage 3, cancer has attacked the lymph nodes – surgery/chemotherapy/radiation
In Stage 4, cancer spread to distant parts of the body (commonly liver and lungs) – surgery/chemotherapy/radiation/ interventional radiology

This year’s colorectal cancer awareness is about understanding the facts and not making assumptions

Families and caregivers play a vital role in helping a patient right from screening through all the stages. It is important to have a discussion with the family about getting screened for cancer this year.

References:

Colorectal Cancer Info- (https://www.ccalliance.org/colorectal-cancer-information)
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - (https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/healthDay/2019/Pages/HealthDay-2019-03-01-31.aspx )

Source-Medindia