Prevent Colorectal Cancer With Lifesaving Screenings

Posted on March 4, 2023

Did you wear blue on March 3 in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

If not, that’s ok. Just read this article and share it on social media to help spread awareness!Icon next to the words NATIONAL COLORECTAL cancer awareness MONTH.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer—in which the cells in your body begin to grow out of control—that begins in the colon or rectum.

The colon and rectum are made up the large intestine and work within the digestive system of your body to process food and water in order to remove solid waste from the body.

That’s right: poop. We are talking about poop.

And that might make you cringe, or perhaps it makes you giggle. Either way colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a big nuisance that that is highly preventable.

What causes CRC?

The word cancer is inextricably linked to smoking. While tobacco use does increase your risk of most cancers, it is not the end-all and be-all of causes. Many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have never smoked a day in their lives. Remember that CRC starts in the digestive system.

A low-fiber, high-fat diet combined with a lack of exercise leads to a higher risk for developing this type of cancer.

Other risk factors include:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions
  • A family history of colon cancer
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol use

Here are some dazzling statistics associated with CRC:

  • Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States
  • It is also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths
  • Both men and women are equally susceptible
  • One out of 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime
  • It’s estimated that 153,020 people will be diagnosed with CRC in 2023 alone
  • It’s expected to cause approximately 52,550 deaths in 2023

The good news:

Since the mid-1980s, the number of people diagnosed with CRC has dropped. In fact, between 2011 to 1029, there has been a steady 1% decrease of incidence each year.

Why?

Because more people are getting screened and changing their lifestyle.

This is why you should get screened.

Starting at the age of 45, or sooner if you have a family history of CRC. Turn to ImageCare Radiology for lifesaving cancer imaging in New Jersey. We screen for colorectal cancer, so it’s caught early. Talk your doctor about your risk for developing CRC or other cancers so you can make any preventative lifestyle changes sooner rather than later.