By Sonny Haskins, Master of Public Health Care Administration Intern at Wyoming Community Health Center
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women. It is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in women, and the second leading cause in men.
Lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer:
- 1 in 21 for men
- 1 in 23 for woman
The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2017 there will be:
- 95,520 new cases of colon cancer
- 39,910 new cases of rectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a concern throughout the United States, however death rates from colorectal cancer has declined over several decades for both men and women. This trend may be caused by the improved care to treat colorectal cancer over the years. The decline can also be credited to the ability to screen patients for early signs of the cancer; with these screenings, colorectal cancer can be prevented.
When you should get your colorectal cancer screening:
- You should begin screening annually soon after you turn 50 years old
- If you or a close family member have had colorectal cancer or signs of colorectal cancer
- If you have been diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- If you have been diagnosed with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch Syndrome)
If you have not been screened for colorectal cancer contact your primary care provider to schedule your appointment today.
Remember with a colorectal cancer screening you can be preventing cancer!
