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March 2017
As we move into spring, we are reminded to update home maintenance items including changing the batteries in our home smoke alarms. Some of us think about spring-cleaning. Spring would also be a good time to review colon cancer risk, as March is colon cancer awareness month.
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 50-75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened after age 75 should be made on an individual basis. Certain condition may increase your risk for colorectal cancer including a close family member having colon cancer or a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Colorectal cancer can be prevented as screening tests help find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
There are several available screening test available including stool testing and colonoscopy. Recent advances in stool testing includes a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) combined with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. There is no single best test for any person as each test has advantages and disadvantages.
Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer through lifestyle changes including increased physical activity, eating a diet high in fiver including fruits and vegetables and low in fat, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found that taking low-dose aspirin can help prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer in some adults, depending on age and risk factors.
Additional information on colorectal cancer can be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/
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People with a close relative who has... Read more |
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