You can prevent- not just detect-colorectal cancer.
Important Facts To Know!
- Colorectal screening is important because it discovers colon polyps before they become cancer.
- Polyps are small cell groups in the colon lining that can turn into cancer.
- Polyps typically don’t show any symptoms.
- Not all polyps are cancer but all colorectal cancer starts as a polyp.
- Screening with colonoscopy and removing polyps helps prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
Who should get screened?
Everyone (men and women) aged 45 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. If you are at a higher risk, discuss screening with your healthcare provider.
Your risk of getting colorectal cancer go up as you get older. Other things that can make it more likely include:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Having colorectal cancer or polyps in your family history.
- Genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Certain lifestyle choices can also raise your risk of colorectal cancer, such as:
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Not eating enough fruits and veggies
- Eating too much fatty or processed foods
- Being overweight
- Alcohol Consumption
- Using tobacco
Signs of Colorectal Cancer:
- Colorectal cancer can have no symptoms, especially at first. This is why screening is crucial.
- If you notice any new or worrying symptoms, don’t ignore them!
- Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms, no matter your age.
Don’t Wait: Consult Your Primary Care Provider for These Symptoms:
- Blood in stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Changes in the shape and size of stool
- Rectal pain
- Abdominal pain
- Unexpected weight loss
- Unexplained new anemia
Your excuses can lead to cancer. 45 or older, the time to get screened is NOW!
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