March Recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer in people under 50, yet it remains underfunded and under discussed while rates continue to rise.

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in U.S. men and women. Colon cancer most often occurs in older adults.

Black adults have a higher risk for colorectal cancer and for early onset of the disease before age 50. However, most colon cancers are treatable when the signs and symptoms are detected early.

Many people do not have symptoms at first.

According to the American Cancer Society, common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:

Unintended weight loss

A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one

Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black

Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain

Weakness and fatigue

It is important to start the conversation and help turn awareness into action.

Learn more and take action by visiting colorectalcancer.org or www.RadiologyInfo.org.