Suffolk County, NY - March 7, 2017 - March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Suffolk County participates in the “80% by 2018” initiative to encourage residents who are 50 or older to be screened for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. With regular screening, colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable!
Colorectal cancer begins in either the colon or the rectum. Symptoms of colon cancer may differ from those of rectal cancer, but both have much in common. In most cases, colon and rectal cancers develop slowly over many years and most often start as a polyp – a growth of tissue that starts in the lining and grows into the center of the colon or rectum. A type of polyp known as an adenoma can become cancer. Removing a polyp early will stop it from growing into a cancerous polyp. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50. All men and women ages 50 and older should get screened.
Symptoms: There are usually no symptoms during the early stages of colorectal cancer, which is why it is so important to have regular screenings. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- diarrhea or constipation
- a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
- blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
- stools that are narrower than usual
- frequent gas pains or cramps, full or bloated feelings
- weight loss with no known reason
- fatigue: feeling tired with no know reason
- nausea or vomiting
Do you know? The five year survival rate for early stage colorectal cancer is over 90 percent, but when colon cancer is detected at a late stage, the rate drops to 5 percent.
There are several types of colorectal cancer screening options. Talk with your doctor about the best option for you.
Blood stool test: stool is examined to search for small amounts of blood, which can be a sign of cancerous polyps. Samples can be taken in the home and delivered to a lab.
Sigmoidoscopy: allows a physician to examine only the large intestine, and not the whole colon. If sigmoidoscopy is your preferred testing method, it is recommended every five years, with a blood stool test every three years (for an average risk individual).
Colonoscopy: similar to a sigmoidoscopy except that the entire colon and rectum can be examined.
During this examination, any abnormal growths, including pre-cancers, can be removed. As a screening tool for colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for people at average risk.
Fifty percent of U.S. colorectal cancers could be prevented by eating healthfully, being active and maintaining a healthy weight…so start taking steps today toward a healthy lifestyle!
Most health insurance plans cover lifesaving preventive tests. Use the health benefits you are paying for to get screened. Call your doctor today. If you are uninsured or underinsured, call your local health clinic. HRHCare operates clinics throughout Suffolk County, Call 1-888- HRH-CARE to set up an appointment. OR contact Cancer Services Program Partnership of Suffolk County, which also provides colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening: 631-548- 6320.
More information:
Suffolk County Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Coalition
NYDOH Cancer Services Program