Eliminate Your Colorectal Cancer Risk!

March is designated as national colerectal cancer awareness month. According to the CDC, colerectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. It is the type of cancer that occurs in the colon and rectum and affects men and women equally. People at risk are those 50 and older, has family history of colorectal cancer and benign colon polyps, and the minorities. African Americans are particularly more at risk than other ethnic groups.
Increased awareness is key to the control of this disease given that is very much preventable. Regular screening, which is recommended to begin at age 50, is known to eliminate as much as 60% of cancer deaths due to colorectal cancer each year. Recognizing the risk factors and seeking preventive care are the most important things that at risk groups can do to minimize their risk of getting colorectal cancer. CDC launched Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign in 1999 to inform men and women 50 years old and above regarding the importance of having regular colorectal screening. Celebrities like Jimmy Smits and Katie Couric were tapped to attract attention to the campaign. More information is available at this link: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/.