Colorectal Cancer Screening

Data source: https://preventcancer.org/ and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/index.htm; Retrieved March 4, 2019

What is Colorectal Cancer?

• Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.

Why is Screening for Colorectal Cancer Important?

• Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.
• Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States.
• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
• Every year, more than 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a highly preventable disease and more than 50,200 will die from it.

The good news:

• Early detection can help save lives:

CDC Screen for Life Campaign (English version):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq2aFwNoWz8 (Jimmy Smits)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9M40tN_XBU (Terrence Howard)

CDC Screen for Life Campaign (Spanish version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKQTz0zi-8g (Jimmy Smits)

Screening saves lives because it can help catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

• If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.

The Bad News:

• Nearly one-third of adults aged 50 to 75 aren't getting screened as recommended

What can you do as a patient?

• Maintain a healthy weight and waist size.
• Get physical activity – exercise may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Eat healthy - rat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are good sources of fiber and eat less red meat and cut out processed meat
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman or two drinks per day if you’re a man.
• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, aim to quit

Smoking can put you at risk for many diseases, including colorectal Cancer

• Stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Get screened regularly according to guidelines starting at age 50 since there are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.
• Talk to your doctor If you are 50 and over to find out which colorectal cancer test you prefer with this fast and easy tool: https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/shared-decision-making/colorectal-cancer-screening