March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Every March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month spotlights Colorectal cancer and inspires more people to get checked starting at age 45.
One in 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime, but you can make a difference today. Learn about ways to build awareness and how to get support. Colorectal cancer is a disease of the digestive system. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening; and is highly treatable when detected early. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease and more than 50,000 die from it. Of the seven counties in the Mid-Hudson Region, Sullivan County has the highest colorectal cancer mortality rate; and the lowest rate of colorectal cancer screening.
Colorectal cancer may develop without symptoms. If you are 45 or older and at average risk, it's time to get screened. All men and women without a family history of colorectal cancer should begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society. If you have certain risk factors you may need to be screened earlier than 45. Speak with your healthcare provider about developing a screening plan that makes sense for you. The US Preventive Services recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 years receive screening for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer has become a reality for many people under the age of 50. Patients are considered to have young-onset colorectal cancer if they are diagnosed before they turn 50. By 2030, researchers predict that colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people ages 20 – 49. This makes it critically important to raise awareness among youth about healthy behaviors that can help lower their risk.
Sean Parks, colorectal cancer survivor who resides in White Sulphur Springs shared, “I went for my first colonoscopy when I was 48. I didn’t want to go, but my wife insisted. I was one of the lucky ones, mine was caught in the early stages. Now I urge all my friends and family to get checked before they turn 50.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 1 in 3 adults who need to be screened are actually doing it. Why so few? There are many reasons, including: Insurance coverage and paying for the test. Fears about the test or preparation. A primary care doctor hasn’t suggested it. (Please be your own advocate! Know your options!). Too busy/don’t think they have time. Two reasons why getting checked matters: Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, letting doctors take action to prevent the disease. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective. Sullivan County also suffers from the lowest colorectal cancer screening rate in the Mid-Hudson Region. Screening is done through colonoscopies and fecal tests that test for blood in the stool.
While screening is important, there are things that reduce colorectal cancer risk:
A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and other plant foods reduces the risk for many diseases including colorectal cancer. Resource: www.nutritionfacts.org
30 to 60 minutes a day will help protect against colorectal cancer. Resource: www.health.gov/moveyourway
Knowing your family history will help gauge your level of risk. Resource: www.ccalliance.org
Avoid alcohol & cigarettes. Resource: www.nysmokefree.com
Sean shared about his journey with colorectal cancer, “it was a nightmare to go through but one good thing that came out of it was my relationship with food. I’ve cut a lot of fat, salt, and sugar out of my diet and make sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day because I want to be around to get to know my grandchildren someday.”
When detected early, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. In honor of Sean Parks and all colorectal cancer survivors, book your screening today! The colorectal cancer alliance ccalliance.org has a variety of resources including a simple screening quiz.