March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum, and is sometimes called colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to understand colorectal cancer screening recommendations and risk factors.

The importance of colorectal cancer screening

When dealing with cancer, early detection is key. Screening can help detect abnormal growths in the colon or rectum so they can be removed before turning into incurable cancer. You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, and continue to be screened regularly as instructed by your doctor. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often if:

· You or a relative have had colorectal polyps or abnormal growths

· You have inflammatory bowel disease, Chron’s disease or ulcerative colitis

· You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome

Speak with your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested.

Prevention tips

Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older. More than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. In addition to regular screenings, people can lower their risk of getting the disease by:

· Avoiding high-fat foods

· Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods

· Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight

· Not smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation

What are the symptoms?

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Individuals can have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important. Some symptoms that can occur with colorectal polyps or cancer are:

· Blood in or on your stool

· Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away

· Losing weight for unknown reasons

MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care, provides care services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call us at 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.