Colon Health and the Top Ten Colorectal Cancer Facts
Colon health begins with you. If you take 10 minutes a day for just a week, what you would learn about your colon and how it affects your overall health will change your life and maybe even save it. Colon health might consider appropriate screening. One third of all deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided according to the CDC (center for disease control). Here is other important information you should know about colorectal cancer.
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Colorectal cancer occurs in men and women at about the same rate.
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There will be approximately 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed this year and about 56,000 deaths.
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3% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people over 50 years of age.
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Early colorectal cancer usually causes no pain.
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Precancerous polyps are almost always a precursor to the formation of colorectal cancer, which greatly enhances the potential of screening tests to catch the disease early, when the best chance for cure exists.
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The time to begin screening tests for colorectal cancer should be discussed with your physician. Most recommend screening to begin at age 50.
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Some people may benefit from starting colorectal cancer screening tests before age 50, especially if they have:
Inflammatory bowel disease
A family history of polyps or colorectal cancer -
There are wide variations in the incidence of colorectal cancer among people of different ethnic backgrounds.
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Blood in the stool should always be evaluated by your physician.
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Over 20% of the cases of colorectal cancer occur in people with 2 or more relatives that have had colorectal cancer.
