Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
One of the most common forms of cancer, and one of the easiest to prevent
Did you know that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths? But did you also know that almost 90% of all cases are fully preventable?
According to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, colorectal cancer kills more men and women combined each year than both prostate and breast cancer.
Although those over age 50 are at an increased risk of getting colon cancer - and 90% of cases occur in people of that age group – people at any age can develop it.
Prevention starts with keeping your body healthy
Reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by keeping your body healthy:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a balanced and nutritional diet
Keeping your body strong and healthy is important to significantly reduce your chances of developing many chronic diseases and forms of cancer, so make these lifestyle changes now before it is too late.
Get screened regularly
You can also reduce your risk by getting screened regularly. Doing so will help catch any signs of colorectal cancer at any early stage and increase your chances of successful treatment.
You should also get screened regularly if you have a family history of non-cancerous colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer, or other intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, or if you use tobacco, drink alcohol to excess, are obese, or lead a sedentary life.
Help yourself today
So make sure to follow these guidelines - it could help save your life from this common, but preventable, disease. You can also look at some of the links below to find more information and resources relating to colorectal cancer.
Good health to you!
Sources:
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
Centers for Disease Control
Resources
From our Health Information Library:
Patient Services
Interactive Tools
Outside Information
Disclaimer: When you click on the links below, you will be taken to websites outside Resurrection Health Care. Resurrection Health Care is not responsible for the information presented on the above websites.
- Mission of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (Prevent Cancer Foundation)
- All About Colon and Rectal Cancer (American Cancer Society)
- Colon Cancer (CDC)
- En Español (CDC)
- Colorectal Cancer Network
- Colon Cancer Alliance - support and information for people touched by colorectal cancer
