Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in Michigan; but it doesn't have to be because if caught early, it is highly curable.
Colorectal cancer is most common in men and women over 50. Therefore, a yearly Fecal Occult Blood Test
is recommended, beginning at age 50.
The following are other valuable tests used for detecting colorectal cancer. Discuss the options with your personal physician.
Individuals who have immediate family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, or those who have inflammatory bowel disease are considered high risk and should be tested earlier and more regularly than other people.
The following signs or symptoms can be an indication of problems:
Blood in or on your bowel movement
Pain, aching, or cramping with no explanation
A change in bowel movement appearance
Unexplained weight loss
Remember - colorectal cancer often has no symptoms until it is very advanced. That's why regular screening tests are so important.
To Decrease Your Colon Cancer Risk:
Limit your intake of saturated fat (found in full fat dairy products, animal fats and fatty meats)
Eat 25-35 grams of fiber daily (wheat bran, legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables)
Get regular colon screenings.
Schedule yours today and remind someone you love to schedule theirs.
According to the American Cancer Society: "Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. This helps speed food through the digestive tract, so any cancer-causing agents in food don't have time to do much damage. And, you should maintain a healthy body weight because being overweight can increase your colorectal cancer risk."
Nutrition Tip Eat more beans and legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Routinely eating a healthy diet may help your body resist and fight cancer in the long run.
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