Did You Know: March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon grow out of control. More commonly, it’s called colon cancer. Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women, and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. 

Are you up to date on your colon cancer screening? If you are 45 years old or older, you should be screened. Colon cancer screening saves lives. It can find abnormal growths called polyps in the colon or rectum that can be removed before they turn into cancer. About nine out of every 10 people whose colon cancers are found early and treated are still alive five years later. 

Are you at risk? Don’t let sneaky diseases with little or no symptoms—like colon cancer, get the best of you or a loved one. As you get older, your risk increases, but there are other risk factors: 

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis 
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps 
• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) 

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include: 

• Lack of regular physical activity 
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables 
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats 
• Overweight and obesity 
• Alcohol consumption 
• Tobacco and nicotine use 

If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your healthcare provider about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested. ViaroHealth is a fully integrated system of primary and family healthcare and can refer you for the right type of screening.  

We won’t let a lack of healthcare information ever be an issue for our members—if you’d like to discuss family history or find ways to have a healthier lifestyle, you belong at Viaro. Call 608-668-2103 for an appointment.  

Reference: Colorectal (Colon) Cancer | CDC