Colorectal Cancer Screening Is a Slam Dunk

Mens-Health-colorectalThe ball is in your court to take action to reduce your risk for this preventable cancer.

Colorectal cancer begins in either the colon or rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, it is one of the top five most common cancers in the United States—and it is the third leading cause of death by cancer in Americans. Colorectal cancer often goes undetected because symptoms do not usually occur until the disease is advanced.

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally. Because risk for the cancer increases after age 50, health experts recommend regular screenings for adults age 50 and older. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, certain gastroenterological conditions or diseases, eat a diet high in fat content, or smoke, you are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Biggest Lead

Though symptoms do not typically appear until the later stages of the cancer, it’s important to know the potential signs, which include:

Blood in stool
Constipation or diarrhea
Feeling full or bloated
Narrow stools
Persistent stomach aches, cramps or pain
Sensation that the bowel is not fully emptied
Unexplained weight loss

There are various methods for screening for colorectal cancer, including:

Colonoscopy—a test in which any existing polyps, or growths, are detected and removed
Fecal occult blood test—a test that can be completed at home that screens for blood in the stool
Sigmoidoscopy—a test similar to a colonoscopy that examines the lower section of the colon 2-for-1 Play

You can help heighten your community’s knowledge of colorectal cancer by:

Encouraging loved ones, coworkers and acquaintances to be screened
Hosting a community event that recognizes colorectal cancer
Posting about colorectal cancer awareness month on social media outlets
Sharing recipes or conducting a cooking demonstration with low-fat foods

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