Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Importance of Screening

Colorado Springs, Colorado (KKTV)-March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and there is no more time to be screened!

Colorectal cancer is far more common and even more deadly than most people are aware of. It is currently the second most common cause of cancer deaths, an equal opportunist, and attacks both women and men.

It’s also younger than many think, and by 2030, it could be the biggest gun killer for people between the ages of 20 and 49.

11 Newscaster Katie Pelton sat down with Andrea Dwyer of the University of Colorado Cancer Center to discuss what people need to know and what they can do to get ahead of this cancer.

Katie Pelton: “First of all, this is really important to shed light. Colon cancer is much more common than people think. It can even become the top cancer killer within 10 years.”

Andrea Dwyer: “That’s right. Currently, Colorado cancer is the leading cause of death. Colorectal cancer is now the second leading cause of cancer death. It is predicted for people between the ages of 20 and 49 and will continue until 2030. In young people, it can be a major cause of cancer death in young people, so it’s a big problem, much more common than people believe and understand, and also men. And women are the second leading cause of cancer death. “

Pelton: “So what is the group” Fight Colorectal Cancer “doing? What are you fighting for?

Dwyer: “FightColorectal Cancer is a leading colorectal cancer advocate. They really shed light on the research, promotion, advocacy, and recognition that colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States and Colorado. I did. “

Pelton: “Can you tell us what’s happening here in Colorado and at the national level?”

Dwyer: “For colorectal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer in Colorado, there is a highly established state-wide coalition, a highly established colorectal task force, that is considering state-wide initiatives. … recently held a large press conference at the State Capitol last week to perform stool-based examinations, which is great for reducing the out-of-pocket costs for those who need a complete colonoscopy. We talked about some of the jobs. We are looking at stronger opportunities to move the quality indicators of Medicade and public insurance, so we are prophylactic for patients with insurance, public insurance. We are also considering programs with stronger access to screening and even under-serviced medically. The programs I direct will guide patients to access, reduce barriers, and guide patients to colorectal screening. The focus is on if the patient is uninsured or has the type of insurance that low-income people normally access.

“… At the state level, Colorado was a major leader in this work. Nationally, especially around the age of 20-49, more and more research costs from programs from the National Cancer Institute. Why is there such a significant increase in the number of very young people who develop colorectal cancer? The National Cancer Institute (CDC) has decided to consider research in that area. Not only are they spending time and energy, they are really looking for people over the age of 45. Talking about the best opportunities to talk about colorectal cancer is based on stool, whether it’s colon endoscopy or not. Whether it’s a test or not, it’s about getting screened.

Pelton: “Let’s talk about some statistics. Many patients have a family history of this disease. 25 to 30 percent have a family history of the disease. 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women. The person is diagnosed. “

Dwyer: “In reality, there are many people with a family history, which means mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, and uncles who have colorectal cancer. Often they refer to those individuals. Diagnosis and often something that can lead to abnormal polyps or cancer, and often people are unaware that it is happening in the family. “

Pelton: “Tell me about your symptoms.”

Dwyer: “Some of the symptoms are bleeding in the stool, observing stenosis in the stool, observing signs and symptoms of weight in the abdomen, or even talking about the intestines, which is an abnormal weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds that cannot be completely explained. Talking about what’s happening in your health is important to help us identify these symptoms. “

A complete list of common symptoms:

1. Rectal bleeding or bloody stool

2. Continuous changes in bowel habits

3. A narrower stool than usual

4. Frequent gas pain, bloating, bloating, or abdominal cramps

5. Weight loss for no known reason

6. Very tired (weakness and fatigue)

7. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all

Pelton: “The problem with colorectal cancer is that screening can prevent it. When and how often do you first show it?”

Dwyer: “The American Cancer Society and the American Preventive Medicine Committee recommend that screening begin at age 45. A few years ago, it was 50, but with this increase, it now begins on average at age 45. Because of the population, people with no family history, signs or symptoms should definitely start. But again, family history as it may be necessary to start screening earlier than 45 years old. It is important to know. “

Pelton: “Currently, there is a campaign to raise awareness.”

Dwyer: “Currently, not only Fight Colorectal Cancer, but many advocates across the country are throwing these powerful weapons. That is, basically,” We are here for the fight, of colon cancer. We are here to reduce prevalence cases, those new diagnoses, we are here to talk about the history of the family. ” And that powerful arm selfie opportunity is an opportunity for people to brand opportunities for prevention and recognition of colorectal cancer.

“… Breast cancer does a great job with the Pink Ribbon, everyone knows pink. Its strong arm says,” Let’s work together to prevent cancer, “and has a strong arm. Representing one million cancer survivors and colorectal cancer survivors. And it’s a really great campaign, it’s done nationwide and is accepted by many advocates … in fact there is a donation campaign around that time. “

For more information on the fight against colorectal cancer, click here..

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