Approximately 106,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, making it the third most common cancer in both men and women. In recognition of Dress in Blue Day (Friday, March 3) and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Methodist Hospital, located on Floyd Curl Drive, will glow blue to raise community awareness and to honor those who have been impacted by the disease.
Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable and treatable disease, especially when identified early when it is easier to treat. Prevention, and overall healthy colons, begins with a healthy diet enriched with fruits, vegetables, and fiber; daily water consumption of two to four liters per day; and exercise. Routine screening is the most effective way to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45 with either a high-sensitivity stool-based test or a structural (visual) exam, such as a colonoscopy, a procedure that uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end to look inside the rectum and entire colon. People who are at higher risk for colorectal cancer - personal or family history of colon cancer and polyps, have inflammatory bowel disease or history of radiation to the abdomen -should start screening before the age of 45 and talk to their health care provider.
Know your risk for colorectal cancer! Learn more about screening options and take an online health risk assessment at SAHealth.com/colorectalcancer.