Each March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month takes place. This form of cancer is preventable by limiting consumption of red meat, eating plenty of fiber, and going for regular screenings. If the cancer is found in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent.
Here are 7 things you need to know about colorectal cancer.
#7 – 9 out of 10 Cases of Colorectal Cancer Involve People 50 or Older
Age is one of the biggest risks when it comes to this form of cancer. It’s most common after the age of 50. Young people can get it, but it’s rare. This is why it is important to start going for the screenings when you turn 50.
#6 – Smoking Increases Your Risk
You’ve heard that eating red meat increases the chances of developing colorectal cancer. Smoking is another factor. People who smoke have a 14 percent higher chance of dying from colorectal cancer.
#5 – Having a Family Member With Colorectal Triples Your Chances
If you have a family member who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer your chance of getting the disease triples. If you have a parent or sibling with colorectal cancer, you should talk to your doctor about screenings before the age of 50.
#4 – It’s Expected That More than 140,200 Cases Will Be Diagnosed in 2019
In 2019, Fight Colorectal Cancer estimates doctors will diagnose another 140,250 cases. People who skip screenings could have prevented a terminal case of this cancer 60 percent of the time.
You have a 1 in 20 chance of being diagnosed in your lifetime. Despite these odds, about 33 percent of people who should have been screened have not yet been for their first or subsequent screenings.
#3 – More Than 1 Million People Have Survived Colorectal Cancer
In the U.S., more than 1 million men and women were screened for colorectal cancer and survived the disease. Early screening and keeping up with treatments make it a beatable cancer.
#2 – Obesity Also Increases Your Risk
Just like smoking, obesity also increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Obesity increases the risk by as much as 30 percent.
#1 – People Who Are Under 50 Usually Have Symptoms Alerting Them
The early stages of colorectal cancer rarely have any signs. For those under 50 who wouldn’t normally get screened, they don’t realize they have colorectal cancer until they find blood or have abdominal pain that makes them see a doctor. Most of these cases occur in the mid-40’s.
Make sure your parents schedule and attend yearly screenings. After a few normal tests, the schedule will likely change to every three or five years. Don’t let your parents miss these screenings. Elderly care providers can help with scheduling and transportation if you can’t get time off work. Call our elderly care agency to arrange these and other elderly care services.