National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this, Dean Health Plan would like to share with you some information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screenings.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the U.S. for both men (following prostate and lung cancers) and women (following breast and lung cancers). In 2002, nearly 140,000 adults were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a figure that is steadily growing every year. It is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. One major reason for the high death rate is that many people do not receive regular screenings for colorectal cancer. In fact, it is estimated that less than half (44 percent) of adults ages 50 and older have been screened. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that if everyone older than age 50 had regular screenings for colorectal cancer, at least one-third of deaths from the disease could be prevented.

It is important that everyone receives colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50. Why? More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in men and women older than age 50. Aside from age, there are additional risk factors to be aware of that may increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:

• A diet high in fat, especially fat from animals
• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Heavy use of alcohol
• Personal history of polyps
• Family history of colorectal cancer

Some people may avoid a colorectal cancer screening out of fear that it is embarrassing or painful. The benefits a screening offers are far more important than embarrassment or discomfort. When detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. You and your primary care practitioner (PCP) can discuss the options for screening that are best for you.

If you are older than age 50 and have not had a colorectal cancer screening, please call your PCP to schedule one. We hope that the more people are aware of colorectal cancer and the more people get screened, the more lives will be saved.

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