March: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
by Jennifer Bunn, RNMost people would rather not think about colorectal cancer, but the fact remains that colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth in females. Here’s what you need to know about this disease, which is very treatable when diagnosed in the early stage:
- Risk factors for the disease include polyps, hereditary factors and ulcerative colitis
- Colorectal cancers often arise from polyps, and removal of polyps can help prevent the disease
- Early colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, but regular screening can catch the disease in its early stages
- Diagnosis of the disease is most often made by barium enema or colonoscopy; a biopsy confirms the diagnosis
- Surgery is often the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer
- Western diets are thought to contribute to colorectal cancer (this type of cancer is rare in Africa and Asia)
- About 20% of cases of colorectal cancer are associated with a family history of the disease
- Colon cancer can be present for many years before symptoms are noticed; weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, weakness and abdominal pain may be symptoms of colon cancer
- Anyone over the age of 40 should have yearly exams for colorectal cancer, including a digital rectal exam and testing for occult blood in the stool
Colorectal cancer is best treated by preventing the disease in the first place. When caught early, colorectal cancer can be treated and cured.
Source: Colorectal Cancer
