Highlight HEALTH

The goal of the annual National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is to make people aware of colorectal cancer and to encourage people to learn more about how to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) through regular screening and a healthy lifestyle. The results of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) administered to 32,374 adults 18 years of age or older in 2000 showed that colorectal cancer screening is underused [1]. Just over 60% of adults had ever had colorectal cancer testing. Only 44% of men and 37% of women greater than 75 years of age were current for testing. Colorectal cancer screening is very important. If colorectal cancer is allowed to metastasize (meaning to spread to other parts of the body), the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. However, if colorectal cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is greater than 90% [2].

Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer starts in the digestive system and begins as a polyp. Polyps are small growths of tissue that start in the lining and grow in to the center of the colon or rectum. A specific type of polyp, an adenoma, can become cancerous. Screening for colorectal cancer can identify polyps and they can be removed to prevent cancer from ever occurring. Starting at age 50, men and women who are at average risk for colorectal cancer should get screened. Men and women who have a higher risk of the disease may need to be tested earlier and should talk to their health care professional about when. Colorectal cancer incidence rates are also increasing among people younger that 50 years of age. Indeed, colorectal cancer is ranked among the top 10 cancers occurring in males and females aged 20-49 years regardless of race [3]. No matter what your age, know the risk factors, the symptoms and your family history.
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