March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Fast Facts
Fast Facts:
- This month marks the 25th anniversary of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
- You can help raise awareness by sharing our blog on social media, taking the Risk Assessment Quiz on our website, signing up for our newsletter and letting your friends and family know you’re getting screened.
- Getting screened at the appropriate time is a great way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
The first National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 2000
Colorectal cancer can be prevented or cured when it’s caught early. But it’s still the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the US. One of the main reasons this preventable disease continues to be a major cause of cancer deaths is because people don’t know when they should get checked out. That’s why President Bill Clinton declared March to be National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2000. In the past 25 years, organizations have been raising awareness about Colorectal Cancer. Knowing the warning signs of colon cancer, what to eat, and when to get screened are key to stopping colorectal cancer in its tracks.
How can you make a difference this March?
There are so many ways to make a difference so that you or a loved one don’t become part of the sad statistics. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Wear blue on the first Friday of March. Wearing blue is a symbolic way of letting people know you are in the fight against colon cancer. When you wear blue, post on social media.
- Sign up for the CheckIt4Andretti Newsletter. Several times a year you’ll receive an email with the most recent updates about the foundation, new posts from our blog, and the latest news about the world of colorectal cancer.
- Take the Risk Assessment Tool on our website. This simple series of questions that you answer anonymously online will help you determine your risk of developing colorectal cancer. We have an article that explains how the risk assessment tool can be used most efficiently.
- Follow our blog. We read the new studies and update our blog regularly to make the best information on nutrition, exercise, screening and treatments available to our readers.
- Learn about the signs of colon cancer. When found early, polyps can be removed before becoming cancerous. And if the polyps have already become cancerous, early detection can lead to a better than 90% cure rate.
- Utilize our video resource library. Sometimes watching a short video is a quick way to learn a lot of information. We have collected a variety of videos to raise awareness and share crucial information. We are updating the library regularly so check back often. You’re sure to find something you’ll learn from.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll get a lot of information on colorectal cancer and see how we’re making an impact in the community.
- Get involved with an awareness raising activity. Fun runs, walks, Pickleball Tournaments and other fun events are scheduled across the country throughout the month of March. Get involved, have fun and raise awareness!
Most importantly, get screened starting at age 45!
The most important way you can make a difference in the colon cancer statistics is to get screened. There are many different screening tests available. The one that you’re most likely to follow through with is the best one for you. Recently the FDA approved a blood test that checks for colon cancer DNA. So whether it’s a colonoscopy, a FIT test, CT scan or blood test, there’s a screening test for you. Remember, the recommended age is now 45 to start screening. If you’re at greater risk, you’ll need to talk to your doctor to decide how early you should begin. If you have any symptoms, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, no matter how young you are.
The Bottom Line
Colorectal cancer continues to be a major cause of cancer death in the US and around the world. Awareness of screening options, signs of colon cancer, lifestyle choices and treatment options can help improve survival and even prevent polyps from progressing to cancer. Help raise awareness by following the easy steps outlined in this article. Remember, getting checked is the best way to be aware of your colorectal cancer status. Check it for the ones you love. CheckIt4Andretti.
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