Colorectal Cancer

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month so I thought I’d post some information and links with some useful information.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that is in the colon or rectum. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is most common in people over 50 and the risk increases with age.

Symptoms can include blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits and general stomach discomfort. However, you may not have symptoms at first, so screening is important. Everyone who is 50 or older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is one method that your doctor can use to screen for colorectal cancer. Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination. (National Cancer Institute)

For more information, visit these links:

What You Need to Know about Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (National Cancer Institute)

Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Screening (National Cancer Institute)

Colorectal Cancer Screening Basic Fact Sheet (CDC)

Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer (American Cancer Society)

Colonoscopy (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Colon Cancer (PDQ): Treatment (National Cancer Institute)

Rectal Cancer (PDQ): Treatment (National Cancer Institute)