Patient Resources
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Screening and Early Detection Key to Effective Treatment
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Penn State Hershey Colon and Rectal Surgery and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute send the reminder that colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable - and often curable - when detected early.
Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon and rectum, is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. This year, more than 143,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, and nearly 52,000 people will die from the disease. Although colorectal cancer may occur at any age, more than 90 percent of people are diagnosed after age 40. And the risk increases with age.
Research suggests that a high-fiber, low-fat diet plays a role in prevention. A good rule of thumb is that the average adult should consume at least 25-35 grams of fiber daily. This amount can be obtained by eating five half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables every day. For adults, adding a soluble fiber supplement is an easy and practical way to obtain the recommended daily intake of fiber.
Beginning at age 50, women and men who are at average risk should be screened, with the type of screening test determined in conjunction with your health care provider. For individuals at higher risk, screenings should begin earlier than age 50. Current screening methods include:
- blood testing
- flexible sigmoidoscopy
- barium x-ray
- colonoscopy
- digital rectal exam
Click here to find out how to lower your risk or if you are at risk.
- Get regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of another cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your doctor about earlier screening.
- Eat between 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day from fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals, nuts and beans.
- Eat a low-fat diet.
- Eat foods with folate such as leafy green vegetables.
- If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. If you use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start.
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing steps may help reduce your risk.
Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Are you at risk for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer can affect anyone - men or women alike - and your risk increases as you age. But some people are at greater risk for the disease.
- People with a personal or family history of benign colorectal polyps.
- People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
- People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease – ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s.
- People with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.
- People of African American and Hispanic descent, who are often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease.
- Men and women over the age of 50.
Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons