March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Health and Fitness, Topics
Surviving cancerWith more than 200,000 new cases each year, colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and can often begin in early stages as a noncancerous polyp and present with no symptoms.

As the second most common cause of cancer-related death, early detection is key to achieving a positive outcome.

It is because of this that cancer physicians highly recommend regular screening beginning at age 50 or for those who meet the following risk factors:
"¢ Overweight/Obesity
"¢ Physical inactivity
"¢ Diet high in red and processed meat
"¢ Smoking
"¢ Heavy alcohol use (two drink per day for men, 1 per day for women)
"¢ Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
"¢ Family history (first degree: parent, sibling or children)
"¢ Racial background (African American is the most common)
"¢ Type 2 diabetes

Screenings includes:
"¢ Colonoscopy
"¢ High-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing
"¢ Sigmoidoscopy

To learn more about Karmanos Cancer Institute care at McLaren Macomb or to schedule an appointment for a colorectal cancer screening visit mclaren.org/macombcancer.