March is Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most
common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from
cancer. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most
often found in people ages 50 and older.
The best way to prevent colorectal
cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. There are often no
signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get
screened.
To
increase awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, Lakewood Family Medicine is
proudly participating in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In 2012, Michigan
alone saw 4,547 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 1,721 people died
from colorectal cancer.
·
At LFM, we recommend colon cancer screening for all
adults starting at age 50, unless there are additional symptoms or risk factors
(such as being a smoker or having a parent or sibling with colon cancer). If
you are concerned about your possible risk factors, schedule an appointment
with your Primary Care Provider today.
·
If you are 50+ and have not been screened for colon
cancer, schedule an Annual Physical Exam with your Primary Care Provider to
discuss what you can do to be screened for colorectal cancer.
Everyone can
take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
·
Get
screened starting at age 50.
·
Quit
smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
·
Get
plenty of physical activity and eat healthy.
For
more information, visit http://www.ccalliance.org/get-information/what-is-colon-cancer/