March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The goal is to increase awareness that colorectal cancer is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. It is equally common in both men and womenó148,810 cases will be diagnosed in 2008, and an estimated 49,960 people will die from the disease. It is also one of the most easily prevented cancers because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.
A world in which colorectal cancer is no longer a life threatening disease because:
Individuals take action to get screened
Barriers to screening are removed, especially lack of access to services
All key stakeholders commit to decreasing colorectal cancer rates,
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month began in 2000 when the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable joined forces to bring about colorectal cancer awareness. More than 57 other collaborating organizations joined forces to raise awareness year-round, particularly during March. All across the nation, organizations sponsor activities to bring the public information about colorectal cancer.
The best overall strategy for lowering your risk of colorectal cancer include: donít smoke, eliminate your exposure to secondhand smoke, stick to a diet thatís low in fat with loads of fruits and vegetables, get physically active for at least 60 minutes every day, and follow all standard screening guidelines. (www.preventcancer.org)
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story