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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month By Amanda Emery It is estimated that over 72,000 men and nearly 70,000 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. Colorectal cancer is also the second leading cancer killer among men and women. It doesn’t have to be. If everyone 50 years and older had regular screenings, as many as 60 percent of deaths from this disease would be avoided. Talk to your healthcare provider to discuss your risk factors as well as the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer because prevention and early detection are your two best weapons. The first step is assessing your risk factors. Colorectal cancer does not discriminate; it affects both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. The risk for developing colorectal cancer increases with age, 90 percent of cases are found in people age 50 and over. Certain hereditary syndromes and a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps can put you at risk as well. Along with these uncontrollable risk factors, there are some lifestyle choices that may lead to an increased risk for this type of cancer. Controllable risk factors · Lack of regular physical activity
After assessing your risk factors, the next step is to identify any potential symptoms of colorectal cancer. Signs and symptoms
These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer and many times there are no evident signs of colorectal cancer. The only way to know for sure is to discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider and follow the recommended screenings guidelines. Many people who are at risk for colorectal cancer are not being screened and they should be! When colorectal cancer is detected in early stages and treated, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. Mile Bluff Medical Center offers many screening services close to home, so you can protect yourself without having to travel to a large city. Mile Bluff offers: · Fecal occult blood test- determines if there is blood in the stool · Flexible sigmoidoscopy- screens for cancer or polyps in the rectum and lower section of the colon · Double-contrast barium enema- x-rays an expanded colon to see its outline · Colonoscopy- screens the entire colon for cancer and, if present, polyps are removed · Virtual colonoscopy- screens the entire colon with a less-invasive procedure
The best protection against colorectal cancer is prevention and early detection! For more information on any of these services, or to speak with a healthcare professional at Mile Bluff Medical Center, please call 608-847-6161. |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
