As March ushers in National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the critical importance of awareness and proactive health measures in combating this formidable disease.
Colorectal cancer remains a significant challenge, ranking as the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth in women, according to the American Cancer Society. Each year, over 150,000 individuals receive this diagnosis, underscoring the need for vigilance and early detection.
At the forefront of gastrointestinal cancer research, Dr. Meredith Pelster, esteemed Associate Director at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and our dedicated medical oncologist, emphasizes a concerning trend: 10% of new colorectal cancer cases are now being identified in individuals under the age of 50. This statistic serves as a stark reminder that colorectal cancer does not discriminate by age.
In a recent segment on WTVF, Dr. Pelsters advises on the signs and symptoms to be aware of: Watch this Let Me Help segment.
Dr. Pelster advises to be aware of symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stool, persistent abdominal pain, cramping and unexplained weight loss. These signs, if present for more than a couple of weeks, warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider.
The path to prevention begins with screenings. Early detection can dramatically alter outcomes, as colorectal cancer becomes significantly more lethal in its later stages, with a five-year survival rate of only 15.9%. Therefore, we echo the medical community’s recommendation to commence screenings at age 45 or earlier if there is a family history of the disease.