March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Wednesday, March 17th, 2021
March is colorectal cancer awareness month and is a great reminder of the importance of routine doctor’s visits and preventative screenings. According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The good news is that colorectal cancer is different than many cancers because it’s largely preventable and beatable. Each year, tens of thousands of lives are lost to this disease. Wider use of proven screening tests could save more than half of these lives.
Colon cancer almost always begins with a polyp –a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps do not typically cause symptoms until the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, bleeding from the rectum, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue. Anyone with these symptoms should speak with their doctor.
Dr. Saleh Eftaiha, a colorectal surgeon with Coliseum Surgical Specialists, said, “It’s important for people not to shy away from talking about their bowel health with their doctor. A simple colonoscopy can be a life-saving procedure because it can catch polyps before they turn into cancer, and they can catch cancer in its earliest stages when it’s easier to treat.”
Men and women who are 45 or older should talk to their doctor about having a colonoscopy, even if they are not experiencing symptoms of cancer. Individuals who have family members with a history of colon cancer should ask their doctor if screening should begin before the age of 45.
For more information about Coliseum Health System or to find a doctor, visit www.ColiseumHealthSystem.com or call (478) 746-4646.
