March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in America.

Approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year and another 56,000 people die annually of this disease. But colorectal cancer is a disease that can be prevented and cured if detected and treated early.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.

According to the CDC -

It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

So, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month ask yourself - is it worth the risk of getting cancer when it's only a minor inconvenience to undergo a colonoscopy? Don't put it off any longer. Avoid the unnecessary heartbreak of a colon cancer diagnosis and schedule your screening today.