March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. It is the 2nd leading cancer killer in the United States. Early detection through screening; however, can drastically change these numbers. There are often no symptoms in the earliest stages of colorectal cancer but during this stage it is the most treatable, which is why routine screening is so important.
Who Should Be Screened?
- All men and women beginning at age 50, or earlier if they have certain risk factors or symptoms
- People with inflammatory bowel disease or a personal or family history of colorectal polyps may have an increased risk and may need to be screened at an earlier age
- Certain lifestyle factors may also increase odds of getting colorectal cancer such as lack of regular physical activity, a diet low on fiber and high in fats, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption and tobacco use
Early detection through screening is the best prevention!
Symptoms
Colorectal polyps and cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly is so important.
If you have symptoms, they may include—
- Blood in the stool
- Stomach pains, aches or cramps that don’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss
People at increased risk may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people. Talk to your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often you should be tested.
Additional Resources:
- St. Mary’s County Health Department – Cancer Screening Services flyer (en Español)
- CDC Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
- CDC: Reducing Your Risk
- CDC: Screening Tests
- SMCHD Quit Tobacco Help
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