What is Colorectal Cancer?

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer, often called colon cancer, happens when cell growth gets out of control in the colon or rectum. Abnormal growths called polyps can form as well, often turning cancerous. It is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women as well as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States (“Colorectal Cancer Statistics,” 2022). 

As with any cancer, it is important to know the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. While your risk increases as you age, other factors include having an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (“What are the Risks,” 2022). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps can put you at an increased risk for colorectal cancer (2022). Lifestyle factors can contribute to increasing your risk as well. This includes tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and a low-fiber and high-fat diet. Other factors include being overweight and obese, lacking physical activity, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Get ahead of the risk factors today by learning your family history, getting active, and eating a healthy diet!  

Colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps can begin forming without any symptoms, increasing the importance of regularly getting screened.  

Common symptoms include: 

•  A Change in Bowel Habits 
• Blood in or on your Stool 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Abdominal Pain 
• Long Lasting Cramps and Aches  
• Unexplained Weight Loss 

Screening for colorectal cancer is direly important to your health as you age. “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening” (“Colorectal Cancer Screening,” 2022). Stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy are all tests utilized to detect colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor to find what test is right for you. 

If you have any symptoms or have not recently been screened, call NEW Health today at (509) 935-6004 to schedule an appointment with your provider.  

Sources 

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 17). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm 

Colorectal Cancer Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 6). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/ 

What are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 17). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/risk_factors.htm