Did you know...March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

That's right, this month is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  This form of cancer is referred to as the "silent killer", as symptoms and signs are typically nonexistent at the outset.  Early screening is helping to reduce incidence rates, but many people who should be screened aren't tested while the cancer is in early and curable stages. 

Specifically, "the American Cancer Society recommends testing for all people ages 50 years and over, and before 50 years of age for people with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps (small growths that can turn into cancer), and individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn colitis). Women with cancer of the ovary or endometrium before the age of 50 also need to start testing earlier and are encouraged to speak with their primary care physician for more specific screening recommendations."

And, primary care physicians play an important role in reducing this type of cancer.  Just a recommendation from a general practitioner can be enough to spur people into getting tested early.  The Needham Public Health Department included these facts in their Needham Patch post:

During 2012

1. Approximately 141,210 new cases will be diagnosed
2. Approximately 49,380 people will die from the disease
3. 3000 of the new cases and 980 of the deaths will be in Massachusetts alone

This is a curable disease, provided it is caught early.  Do not postpone your screening, as it is the most important thing you can do to lower your risk. And, as always, follow these healthy lifestyle tips:

1. Get screened regularly
2. Be physically active
3. Maintain a healthy body weight
4. Eat less red meat
5. Limit the amount of alcohol consumed
6. Eat fruits, vegetable and whole grains
7. Do not smoke

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