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Prevent Colorectal Cancer

February 27, 2009   |   Alliance for Aging Research Team   |   Cancer, Caregiving (Health)

Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. Through a routine colonoscopy, physicians can remove pre-cancerous polyps which grow along the colon wall. Take the time during March, colorectal cancer awareness month, to learn more about risk factors and preventative measures for this disease.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and 91% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in individuals 50 and older. Even though it is preventable, many individuals do not seek medical help until symptoms occur. These symptoms often do not show up until later stages of the disease, when it is more difficult to treat. An increase in preventative screenings has the potential to significantly lower the number of cases among Americans. If you are 50 years of age or older, or are younger and the disease runs in your family, learn more about what you can do to prevent it. Ask your health care provider about regular preventative screenings for colorectal cancer even if you don’t see any signs or symptoms. Also, talk to your friends or loved ones about this disease, so they too can learn how to prevent colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is rarely talked about, even though it is so prevalent. A survey commissioned by the Alliance provides key findings about colorectal cancer and caregivers of those diagnosed. For additional information about colorectal cancer, visit www.ccalliance.org.

This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.

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