March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is challenging you to avoid assumptions and get more information about colorectal cancer that my help you or a loved one manage this deadly disease.

Colorectal cancer – cancer that starts in the colon or rectum – is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Approximately 140,000 people are diagnosed and more than 50,000 people die from colon cancer in the U.S. annually.

At the same time, colorectal cancer is also the most preventable and treatable type of cancer. The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer found at the local stage is 90 percent, compared to 14 percent for colorectal cancer found at distant stages. Through research and education about prevention, screening, and treatment, it is possible to end colorectal cancer in our lifetime.

Here are a few lifestyle practices you can adopt now to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer:

• Eat your veggies: Enjoy a diet rich in fiber from vegetables, fruits and other plant based foods while reducing your consumption of red meat.
• Exercise: Research has found that adults who exercise 30-60 minutes per day decrease their risk of colon cancer by 30-40 percent.
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: Long-term smokers and people who enjoy more than three drinks per day are at an increased risk for colon cancer.

For more information, visit dontassume.org, and talk to your health care provider about screening, symptoms and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Who should be screen for colorectal cancer?

• If you are experiencing pain, blood or other irregularities when passing bowel movements.
• If you have a family history of colorectal cancer start getting screened at the age of 40 or ten years before your family member was diagnosed.
• If you have ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease and Crohn’s disease talk to your doctor about getting screened before age 50.
• If you are African American you are more at risk and should start getting screened at age 45.

If you aren’t sure if any of these categories apply to you or you are over the age of 50, and have never been screened for colorectal cancer give us a call to schedule an appointment to talk to your provider.