March and its Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign has ended, but that does not mean that vigilance in monitoring our colorectal health should end!
The medical definition of colorectal is "relating to or affecting the colon and the rectum." Screening for colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer is essential because symptoms don't always initially present. Thus, cancer can become widespread before one is even aware: colorectal cancer screenings save lives.
The CDC recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer for 45 to 75 years old. Talk to your doctor about screening if you think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the type of cancer that none of us want to talk about. We may let fear prevent us from getting screened, but if the disease is to be found, the sooner we face it, the more preventable it becomes. Momentary discomfort while screening allows for the possible avoidance of the future side effects and results of treating cancer.
Colorectal screening rates are down, according to fightcolorectalcancer.org, due to Covid-19, which means cancer rates are going to increase. Now is the time to support screening and awareness efforts. The following is a list of signs and symptoms of the disease: an ongoing change in bowel habits, stools that are narrower than usual, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a personal history of polyps or cancer, age, a history of inflammatory bowel disease, family history and genetics, smoking, excessive alcohol use, a fatty diet and obesity. While colorectal awareness may be uncomfortable to discuss, as the CDC aptly points out, "it takes guts to put your health first."