According to CDC- Colon Cancer is Preventable, Treatable and Beatable
It is important to note- that the pandemic has illuminated the health disparities in this country. “Overall black males and females have higher incidence and mortality rates with colorectal cancer than other races” -U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Briefs, No. 16 March 2020…includes data from 2016
To prevent Colorectal Cancer–make sure you:
- Get regular exercise
- Eat lots of fruits/vegetables
- Eat high fiber, low fat, and low processed foods
- Watch your weight and avoid alcohol/tobacco
- Do screenings listed below at the appropriate ages
Read More Information from The Center for Disease Control on Colorectal Cancer and Screenings:
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.
What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
Our risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older. Other risk factors include having—
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include—
- Lack of regular physical activity.
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables.
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco use.
Screening Recommendations
Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The Task Force recommends that adults age 76 to 85 talk to their doctor about screening.
The Task Force recommends several colorectal-cancer screening strategies, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Go to the CDC’s Website to learn more about these screening tests and to read more about this serious disease. www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/risk_factors.htm