March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Screening detects precancerous abnormal growths, called polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Some risk factors for colorectal cancer can be changed, while others cannot. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Smoking
- Overweight or Obesity
- Alcohol use
- Being physically inactive
- Older age
- Native American, African American, or Ashkenazi Jewish background
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- Family history of colorectal cancer
When colorectal cancer is detected early, cancer treatment can be very effective. If you are 45 or older, talk to your physician about colorectal cancer screening.
For more information, check out these resources:
