colorectal cancer awareness month
The end of March is drawing near— and with it comes the end of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. However, we shouldn’t forget about colorectal cancer as we enter into April. Many patients think that they don’t need to be screened because they don’t have colon cancer symptoms; as we’ve discussed in a previous post, this simply isn’t the case. Everyone over the age of 40 should be screened regularly, and it doesn’t always have to be with a colonoscopy!
According to the CDC, “51,896 people died of colorectal cancer” in 2019. That was the second highest rate of all cancer fatalities, surpassed only by lung cancer. Considering that colorectal cancer can be detected and remedied in its early stages via screening, this figure is alarming. This March marks the twenty-first colorectal cancer awareness month; we invite you to spread the word, ask questions, and schedule your own screening if you are overdue.
In February of 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Over the last two decades, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has become a rallying point for the colorectal cancer community. It’s a month that’s near and dear to our hearts, and one that provides a great platform for educating our patients and others about the severity of colorectal cancer. Here is what it is all about.
Countrywide, awareness efforts about colorectal cancer have yielded positive results. Every year the mortality rate decreases and early detection continues to grow. Yet, this favorable news only applies to cases where patients are over the age of 50, i.e. “regular-onset colorectal cancer”. In contrast, the rate of young-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise. Currently, 11% of colon cancer diagnoses and 18% of rectal cancer diagnoses occur in people younger than 50.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Each year the Colorectal Cancer Alliance picks a theme to help drive awareness about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. This year’s theme is “Don’t Assume,” which aims to bust the preconceived notions and misconceptions regarding colorectal cancer. Below, we’ll discuss what colorectal cancer is, how it’s treated, and how the Don’t Assume campaign wants to bust myths about colorectal cancer.
This March, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will honor the 18th National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The month will be full of fundraiser, educational events, awareness campaigns, and a lot of blue. If you are interested in becoming an ally or in showing your support, here are some things you can do to help.
