Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Leads to Prevention
28 Feb, 2018
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and because we at team TUSHY are in the business of booty health we want to do our part in educating you on a disease that affects so many older Americans. Early detection leads to prevention.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the US. It's expected to cause about 50,630 deaths during 2018. Starting in the colon or the rectum, these cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths called a polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over the course of several years, but not all polyps become cancer.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent colorectal cancer but there are things you can do that might help lower your risk, such as changing the risk factors that you can control. Regular screenings are the first line of defense against colorectal cancer. If you are 50 years or older, it is recommend that your start receiving regular screenings. If you know your family has a strong history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor.
You may be able to lower your risk of colorectal cancer by managing some of the risk factors that you can control, like diet and physical activity. In recent years, some large studies have suggested that fiber in the diet, especially from whole grains, may lower colorectal cancer risk while long-term smoking and alcohol consumption have been reported as increasing the risk.
If you’re unsure of your family history or you just want to be safe, get screened! The earlier polyps are detected, the better the chance of removing them before they become cancerous. Keep an eye on your rump, inside and out and wash with TUSHY.
If you want to learn more about Colorectal Cancer Awareness and join the fight, visit www.fightcolorectalcancer.org.
