March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death, affecting both males and females, and occurring mostly in age groups older than 50 years of age. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened. With certain types of screening, such as a colonoscopy, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the intestine) before they become cancerous.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer, according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, include the following:
- age 50 and older
- overweight or obese, especially those who carry fat around their waists
- lack of physical activity
- excessive alcohol intake, especially men
- a diet with a lot of red meat or processed meat
- personal or family histories of colorectal cancer or benign colorectal polyps
- personal histories of inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis)
- family histories of inherited colorectal cancer or inherited colorectal problems
Symptoms for colorectal cancer are often difficult to detect. In the early stage, the person may not have any symptoms. As the cancer grows, the following symptoms may occur:
- Bleeding from the rectum or blood in or on the stool
- Change in bowel habits
- Stools that are more narrow than usual
- General problems in the abdomen, such as bloating, fullness or cramps
- Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling in the rectum that the bowel movement isn’t quite complete
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Being tired all the time
Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
- Get screened starting at age 50.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Get active and eat healthy
For more information on types of cancers, risk factors and treatment options, contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.