Colon and Rectal Cancer remain a major cause of cancer death in the United States. With a trend toward more advanced disease in men and women less than 50 years old. Early detection and treatment can lead to improved outcomes and cures. Colon and rectal cancer awareness are important as risk factors include:
- A family history of colon or rectal cancer
- Those of the African American race
- Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- A high fat, low fiber diet
- Chronic alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Advanced Age
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer can include a change in your bowel habits, rectal bleeding, rectal or abdominal masses, and iron deficiency anemia. An evaluation may be done by:
- Colonoscopy
- FIT testing
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- CT colonography
You should see your doctor to identify your risk and screening method or contact ECMC.
View Dr. Joseph Mills’ Medical Minute talking about Colon and Rectal Cancer Awareness.
