March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on: 01/28/2010
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally – 140,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. But colorectal cancer is preventable, and can be successfully treated and is often curable when detected early. To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends that you: • Get regular colorectal cancer screenings after age 50. Between 80-90% of colorectal cancer patients are restored to normal health if their cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages. • Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. • If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. If you use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. • Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing steps may help.
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