Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer in the U.S. affecting both men and women.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older, with more than 90% of cases occurring in people aged 50 or older. Approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Undergoing screening can stop cancer before it starts or identify it early enough to provide the best prognosis for recovery.  We recommend people to get screened for colorectal cancer between the ages 45-75.

There are safe, affordable options available for screening, including at-home test kits. SWNPHD encourages residents to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about what screening option is best for them. Screening tests are used to look for colorectal cancer when a person does not have any symptoms.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer:

• Men and women over the age of 50
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
• Obesity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use.