March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Learn about warning signs and how to protect yourself

Monroe, WA – Colorectal cancer is not only the third most common cancer in both men and women; it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. James Mu, MD, is one of Valley General Hospital’s gastroenterologists and explains that "approximately only a small percentage of those who are eligible and should be screening for colon cancer get the screening done. It is as simple as getting a referral from your primary care physician. These screenings save lives."

Those at risk
Men and women age 50 and older
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer

Warning Symptoms – In the earlier stages, there may not be any symptoms. Later, these symptoms may appear:
Rectal bleeding
Blood in or on the stool
Change in bowel habits
General stomach discomfort
Frequent gas pains
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Constant tiredness
Anemia

Early Detection – Colorectal cancer is easily treated and often curable when detected early. These are many options for screening (please consult your primary care provider to find out which screenings are best for you):
Have a fecal occult blood test yearly.
Have a digital rectal exam at annual physical exams.
Have a sigmoidoscopy every five years.
Have a colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema every 10 years.
Having all pre-cancerous polyps removed will help prevent colorectal cancer before it starts. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, benign colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or breasts, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, talk to your primary care provider about earlier detection and prevention.

Prevention – There are many things you can do to help lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer:
Get regular screening tests (consult your physician for which tests are right for you).
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol excessively, which increase colon cancer risk.
*Source-Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation