What You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer
Unlike other cancers, symptoms of colorectal cancer (listed below) can go unnoticed for months or years. That’s why getting screened is so important.
Symptoms that can occur include:
- A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
Screening is the process of looking for cancer in individuals who have no symptoms. Several colorectal tests can be used but in general, tests can be divided into two main groups:
- Stool-based tests: These tests check the stool (feces) for signs of cancer. These tests are less invasive and easier to have done, but they need to be done more often. KCHC provides stool-based tests.
- Visual/structural exams: These tests, which require pre-planning and are performed by a medical specialist, look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. This is done either manually with a scope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a small light and video camera on the end) or with special x-ray tests.
Getting screened, beginning at age 50, helps detect polyps earlier, which leads to more effective treatment options.
The American Cancer Society recommends all adults 50 and older get screened. It’s easier than you think-and the Kenosha Community Health Center (KCHC) provides stool-based screening.
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States
- Death rates from this type of cancer continue to be higher in African Americans than non-Hispanic whites.
Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay informed and stay healthy!
Healthy habits help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight, especially around your midsection.
- Develop a consistent, vigorous exercise routine-walk, run, bike, swim-you name it! Physical activity has so many health benefits.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day, and limit your red meat and processed foods intake.
- Limit your alcoholic beverages.