March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness of colorectal cancer as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Colorectal cancer is expected to cause more than 50,000 deaths in the U.S. this year, while one in 23 Americans will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. But colorectal cancer is treatable if detected in the early stages through routine screening.
Many people delay being screened for colon cancer because they feel fine or have no outward symptoms. But unfortunately, the disease often develops without any warning signs. Furthermore, only 1 in 5 colon cancer patients have a family history of the illness. The good news is that it is 90% preventable when caught early.
By following the recommended guidelines for colon cancer screening your doctor can find colon polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. This process involves a colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for detecting and preventing colon cancer.
What can you do? You can help to raise awareness and support the cause by encouraging your family and friends to get screened. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook where we will be discussing colon cancer facts throughout the month.