According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. There are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed. Symptoms can include stomach pain or cramps that don’t go away, weight loss or blood in your stool. Colorectal cancer can be cured if it is caught and treated early. For the general population, it is recommendation you get screened starting at age 50. There are several different screening options, so talk to your doctor about which ones and what schedule is right for you. Many people put off their screening because they don’t want a colonoscopy, but there are other, less invasive tests that may be an option. Your doctor can discuss which screenings are best for you given your risk factors. If you have a family history of the disease, your doctor may suggest you get screened earlier than 50 years of age. You can lower your risk by eating a high fiber diet with lots of fruits and veggies, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and limiting tobacco and alcohol use.
For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
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