March is National Colorectal Awareness Month

The Prevent Cancer Foundation reminds everyone over age 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer this month. People who are obese, sedentary, over age 50 with a history of inflammatory bowel disease are at greatest risk. Use of tobacco also raises your risk of colorectal cancer.

Recommended tests:

• Fecal occult blood test (FCBT) annually
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) annually
• Stool DNA test (sDNA): as recommended by your provider
• Double contrast barium enema: every 5 years
• Virtual colonoscopy: every 5 years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: every 5 years
• Colonoscopy: every 10 years

Symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

• blood in the stool
• rectal bleeding
• change in bowel habits
• narrow stools
• stomach discomfort
• gas pains
• bloating
• abdominal distention
• vomiting, diarrhea and/or constipation
• unexplained weight loss

You can prevent colorectal cancer by:

• exercising
• eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• get the recommended screening evaluations
• maintain a healthy weight
• avoid use of tobacco
• avoid excess use of alcohol
  

Thank you Emily for use of photo My first endoscopy.