March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

 

"At age 41, some people begin to assess or reassess their careers.

At age 41, some people may consider expanding their families, while others watch their children approach their teenage years.

At age 41, some may be navigating new relationships.

At age 41, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer."

- Barry Stein, President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada

 

Colorectal cancer has become the deadliest cancer in men between the ages of 29 and 40, and the second deadliest cancer in women in the same age group. The number of early onset colorectal cancer cases is rising rapidly, but colon cancer is preventable with appropriate screening and appropriate response to concerning symptoms. Unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding are just a few of the symptoms that warrant further investigation. A family history of colon cancer is another reason to get screened, even if no symptoms are present.

 

Resolve to become familiar with your family history of cancer, get appropriate screening, and reach out to your family physician if you are experiencing symptoms that warrant further investigation. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable with appropriate care, and we would be happy to be part of your healthcare team!

 

Several studies have shown that regular aspirin use is effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, as well as decreasing mortality in people that have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  A new study gives more insight into the population of people that gain the most benefit from regular aspirin use. People who smoke and have a higher body weight seem to benefit the most from regular aspirin use, with colorectal cancer incidence rates being 1.98% over ten years in those who regularly used aspirin, compared to 2.95% in those who didn't. Regular aspirin use did not seem to offer as much benefit for people who follow a healthy lifestyle.