March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
From Healthfinder.gov

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.

The good news? If everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to encourage people to get screened.

Screening tests help find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. This prevents colorectal cancer. Screening can find this cancer early, when treatment is most effective. However, about one-third of adults aged 50 or older (about 22 million people)—the age group at greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer—have not been screened as recommended.

How can Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this month to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and take action toward prevention. Communities, organizations, families, and individuals can get involved and spread the word. Here are a few ideas:
  • Encourage families to get active together – exercise may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

  • Talk to family, friends, and people in your community about the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer, starting at age 50.

  • Ask doctors and nurses to talk to patients age 50 and older about the importance of getting screened.
How can I help spread the word?

Get Involved and take action to prevent colorectal cancer.
  1. Contact local doctors’ offices and ask them to share colorectal cancer prevention information with their patients.

  2. Host a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month event at a local senior center. Give out information about colorectal screenings, and ask a doctor or nurse to talk about the importance of getting screened.

  3. Hold a cooking demonstration with low-fat foods full of calcium and fiber.

  4. Host an information night at your local library to talk about ways to get more people in your community screened for colorectal cancer.

  5. Partner with local African American community organizations to encourage people to get screened for colorectal cancer.

     
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