National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I know that colon cancer may not be a part of your every day, but it is mine. As many of you know, my mom has stage 4 colon cancer. She was diagnosed at the age of 55. She had no symptoms, no known family history, and felt just fine. She isn't a smoker and maybe has a drink on a rare occasion. Her diagnosis was a complete surprise and it was more shocking to learn she most likely had tumors growing for 3-5 years. She happened upon her cancer by accident, but by then, "this silent killer" had spread. This is something I, along with many others, would like to prevent you from experiencing. I think it is a good idea that there is a month decided to spreading the word about colorectal cancer because it reminds people to take a yearly inventory on their health and mention it to others. I'm trying to do my part by offering information about this type of cancer to you all so you can talk to others about it. Please talk to your parents, relatives, and friends about this. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, accounting for about 20 percent of all cancer deaths. This year alone, more than 131,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and 56,000 will die from it.

Colon cancer is also one of the most curable types of cancer if it is diagnosed early. When detected at its earliest stages, chances for a cure are as high as 90 percent. There are several screening and diagnostic methods to detect colon cancer early, before it has spread to vital organs. A colonoscopy is the most common screening method and it can be done as an out-patient procedure.

Studies have shown that the following things have been associated with colon cancer:

• Eating a low-fiber, high fat diet with minimal fruit and vegetables. Limit foods from animal sources that are high in fat, especially saturated fat, such as red meat, milk, cheese, ice cream, and coconut and palm oil. Restrict fat intake to less than 30 percent of daily calories.
• A diet high in red and processed meats
  
• Being overweight
• Smoking (smoking at a young age - in your twenties - increases your lifetime risk of colorectal cancer)
• Inactive lifestyle
• Family history of colon cancer or polyps
• Age - About 90 percent of all colon cancer cases occur in people older than age 50. About 6 percent of people age 75 to 80 have had colon cancer at some point in their lives.
• Diseases of the colon
• Heavy alcohol consumption

You can read about symtoms here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035/DSECTION=2

It is important to remember even if you don't meet any of the high risk factors you are still at risk and should get a colonoscopy at the age of 50. My mom's only association to this list is that she is over the age of 50. You can find a lot of information on the web about colon cancer, if you would like to learn more. I hope you all can find people to talk to about this and spread the word. Time here on Earth is precious. Encourage your friends, family, and parents to take the proper precautions to ensure a long and healthy life!