National Colorectal Cancer Awareness

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  Despite the myths about colorectal cancer, the reality is that this often fatal disease doesn’t have to be.  In Texas, over 9,500 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and over 3,000 die from the disease.  What you should know is that it is equally common in men and women; approximately 71,380 women and 75,590 men were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2009. 

Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Screening tests can detect polyps that can turn into cancer.  Removing these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from ever occurring.  Starting at age 50, men and women who are at average risk should be screened regularly.  If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, are African American, or have other risk factors, you should begin screening earlier; ask your doctor for recommendations.  Since symptoms of colorectal cancer are often silent, it is very important to get screened regularly.   Research has shown that a healthy lifestyle can also be crucial in the prevention of this disease.  Maintain a healthy weight and exercise often.  Eat high fiber foods and limit processed items.  If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke, stop.

Colorectal cancer can be curable when detected early.  More than 90 percent of patients with localized colorectal cancer confined to the colon or rectum are alive five years after diagnosis.

2010 marks the 10 th National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  In these past 10 years, many strides have been made against this disease.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, incidences have dropped by 2.2 percent in women and 2.8 percent in men; mortality has dropped by 4.3 percent overall.  We must remain vigilant in our efforts to continue research and take all the important steps toward cancer prevention.

Kimberly Robertson, Cancer Aid and Research Chairman