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MCC Daily Tribune

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

We recognize National Colorectal Cancer Month to raise awareness for the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States. With well over 100,000 new cases each year and over one million cases total ‘Colon Cancer’ is a huge problem. But with early detection of this disease, it is estimated that well over half of the deaths that occur annually could be prevented. Thanks to National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a much-needed spotlight is being cast on the importance of early detection. In March, we come together to provide hope and advocate for awareness.

 

NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES

  1. Do some research.

    The scientific medical community is always coming up with new discoveries and new findings, and the statistics change over time. Do some research and educate yourself so that your awareness improves and you can pass that knowledge on to those around you.

  2. Talk about it.

    Though the word ‘cancer’ is difficult to bring up on its own, this cancer is common, and nothing to be ashamed of. You could save a life if you recommend a friend to get screened.

  3. Post on social media

    Share the knowledge of this preventable disease, and encourage others to do the same, shame-free.

 

5 FACTS ABOUT COLON CANCER:

  1. A person may have colon cancer, with no symptoms at all.

    According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer often do not have any symptoms.

  2. If you were born in the 90s

    If you were born in the 1990s, you have double the risk of colon cancer and, four times the risk of rectal cancer than those born in 1950. A disappointing statistic for any millennials.

  3. Colon cancer runs in the family

    People with a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer have two or three times the risk of developing colon cancer, compared to those with no family history of the disease.

  4. It is the 3rd leading cause of death for young adults

    The CCC estimates that in 2020, there will be about 18,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in people under 50, the equivalent of 49 new cases per day.

  5. Screening works

    Colorectal cancer incidence rates in individuals of screening age have been declining in the U.S. since the mid-1980s. This is due to increased awareness and screening, but the screening rate remains low, especially among those who are uninsured or don’t have doctor’s offices within reasonable driving distance of their home.

 

WHY COLORECTAL CANCER MONTH IS IMPORTANT

  1. It’s preventable.

    The earlier the cancer is found, the better chance the person has to beat it. That is why early detection is so important.

  2. It’s treatable.

    Though it’s a deadly disease, it’s a treatable disease. Surgery is the primary form of treatment and results in a cure approximately 50% of the time.

  3. It’s easy to detect.

    A cancerous polyp can take as many as ten to 15 years to develop into cancer. With regular screening, doctors can remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

 

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
03/16/2022