March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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.

 People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of 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/