Did you know that colon and rectal cancers cause the second most cancer-related deaths in the United States? Did you know that colorectal cancer is highly preventable? Here are nine things that you might not know about colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally.
Men and women are at an equal risk for developing colorectal cancer. This means that both men and women need to get screened regularly for colon cancer and rectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.
Only lung cancer causes more cancer-related deaths in the United States each year.
90% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in adults over the age of 50.
Age is one of the biggest contributing factors to colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor to find out which screening test is right for you.
Young people can get colorectal cancer, too.
While most new cases are found in older adults, younger adults can also be affected by colorectal cancer. In fact, new cases of colon and rectal cancer are increasing in those younger than 50.
It’s important to know to know the warning signs as well as the risk factors for colorectal cancer, and talk to your doctor about a screening plan.
You can be the first in your family.
A family history of colorectal cancer increases your risk for developing cancer, but an absence of the cancer in your family history does not mean you’re safe from it.
While you can inherit gene mutations that increase your risk for for colorectal cancer, only a small portion of cancer cases are caused by these mutations.
Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in those who do not have a family history of colorectal cancer.
A history of IDB increases your risk for colorectal cancer.
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease increases your risk for colorectal cancer. Those with a history of IDB should consider screening at an earlier age.
More than half of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no symptoms.
Cancers of the colon or rectum do not always cause symptoms. This is especially true in the early stages of cancer.
Colorectal cancer is highly preventable.
Colorectal cancer is almost entirely preventable. Screening can help detect pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed before cancer develops.
Everyone between the ages of 50-75 should get screened.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults be screened for colorectal cancer at regular intervals starting at age 50 until the age of 75. Talk to your doctor to determine how often you should get colorectal cancer screenings
Meet with a gastroenterologist in Northwest Arkansas today.