March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month so in honor of that, we would like to share some educational information about colon cancer to spread awareness.
Colorectal Cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. As you may be aware, the colon is part of the large intestine and the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon and the anus. Most Colon Cancers first develop as polyps; or abnormal growth inside the colon that may become cancerous if not removed. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
You could have polyps and not even know it. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal discomfort
- Changes in consistency
- Constipation
- Losing weight
- Anemia or fatigue
Being the third most common cancer in the United States in men and women excluding skin cancer, it’s important to get your colonoscopy (a test that doctors use to look at the inner lining of your colon and rectum. It helps find tumors, and polyps, bleeding, inflammation, and ulcers). Colon Cancer affects people of all races and is mostly found in people fifty years or older. Risk increases with age. Did you know that if everyone (aged fifty or older) were to get screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from this cancer could be prevented? Yes, Colon Cancer can be treatable if it is discovered early. We can work together and encourage people to get screened by sharing the information we learn!
