March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
At Amazing Over 40, one of our paramount goals is to provide you with the most up-to-date and relevant information for you and your family – to live the best lives at 40, 50, 60 and beyond!
In recognition of this month’s health awareness theme, this blog will help you understand the magnitude of colorectal cancer and the symptoms of colorectal cancer. One of the main points I would like to make is that COLORECTAL CANCER IS HIGHLY PREVENTABLE.
Colorectal cancer is as real as it gets – being the 3rd most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women. In fact, one of my dear friends, Isabel David, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2015. She underwent XRT, 2 surgeries, 3 chemotherapy treatments… and is an Amazing survivor!!!
Excluding skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancers in
Women:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Men:
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Remember, when we are talking about causes of mortality, cardio-vascular disease is the number one killer in both men and women, not cancer.
Here are some startling statistics:
For 2021, the American Cancer Society estimates the number of colorectal cancer cases in the US to be:
- Over 149,500 people will be diagnosed
- Expected number of deaths due to colorectal cancer – 51,000
- The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 21 (4.7%) for men, 1 in 23 (4.4%) for women
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Many of the following symptoms for colon cancer can be seen with other conditions that are benign and not cancerous. These include infection (diverticulitis), hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
- A change in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of the stool) that last for more than 2-3 days.
- A feeling like you haven’t really emptied your bowels completely after having a bowel movement.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Dark, tarry stools or blood in the stool.
- Cramping or belly pain.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Loss of weight even with trying to eat normally.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, most likely it won’t be cancer. Yet to be safe, it is always best to have a consultation with your physician or a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in the health of your intestinal tract).
Colorectal cancer is highly PREVENTABLE. – Get screened! Next week’s blog post will discuss the different types of screening techniques for colon cancer.
If you, or a friend or family member, are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please consult with your doctor to get evaluated. It can save your life!
In health and happiness,
Dr. Diana