Page 12 - sample SMLC flipbook
P. 12
health & wellness
March is National Colorectal Cancer Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an
Awareness Month. The colon and rectum are increased risk of colorectal cancer include:
not topics anyone really wants to talk about, • Being overweight or obese
but the truth of the matter is that if caught and • Lack of regular physical activity
treated early, colorectal cancer is one of the most • A diet low in fiber and high in fat, or a diet
treatable, and often, curable types of cancer. high in processed meats
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables
Of cancers affecting both men and women,
colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) • Heavy alcohol use
is the second leading cancer killer in the United • Smoking
States, but it doesn’t have to be. Screening can Your risk of getting colorectal cancer
find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in increases as you get older. About 90% of cases
the colon or rectum—so they can be removed occur in people who are 50 years old or older.
before turning into cancer. Screening also helps Other risk factors include:
find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s
treatment often leads to a cure. disease or ulcerative colitis
• A personal or family history of colorectal
The colon and rectum are part of the large cancer or colorectal polyps
intestine. Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors • Having type 2 diabetes
form in the lining of the large intestine. It is • A genetic or inherited syndrome, such as
common in both men and women. The risk of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or non-
developing colorectal cancer rises after age polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
50. You’re also more likely to get it if you have
colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal Because you may not have symptoms at first, it’s
cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, eat a important to have screening tests. Tests include
diet high in fat, or smoke. colonoscopy and tests for blood in the stool.
Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery,
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include: chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination.
• Diarrhea or constipation Surgery can usually cure it when it is found early.
• A feeling that your bowel does not empty
completely If you are 50 years old or older, or have any of the
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your symptoms mentioned above, please talk to your
stool doctor about getting screened.
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Frequent gas pains or cramps, or feeling full Respectfully,
or bloated Amy Mabrey
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Fatigue Sources: cancer.org, medlineplus.gov, and cdc.gov
• Nausea or vomiting
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