NHM Health Focus:
Colorectal Cancer
March 2009
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Preventable. Treatable. Beatable! National
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month underscores the reality that while colorectal
is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., it is one of the most preventable cancers. (NCI)
- Overall, the lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 19 (5.4%). This risk is slightly higher in men than in women.
(ACS)
- Young African Americans have higher than average incidence of, and death rate due to, colon and rectum cancer compared to other populations.
(ACG)
- The death rate (the number of deaths per 100,000 people per year) from colorectal cancer has been dropping for more than 20 years.
(ACS)
To reduce your risk of colorectal cancer you can:
- Participate in regular screenings that can find pre-cancerous
and early cancerous conditions, when the chances for a full recovery
are best. (CDC)
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Increasingly,
scientific evidence supports the conclusion that regular physical
activity can reduce the risk of several cancers, particularly
colon cancer, in both men and women.
(CCPC)
- Consume a healthy range of food. What you eat may have protective
effects - Fruits and vegetables, folates, calcium, whole grains from
breads, cereals, nuts and beans all have some evidence showing they
may help prevent cancer and other diseases in general.
(CRPF)
- Stop smoking. Smoking cigarettes is linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
(NCI)
To help advance knowledge of the disease, its prevention and treatment,
you can:
- Participate in a clinical trial -- Participants are currently being
recruited for clinical trials to increase knowledge of the prevention and treatment
of colorectal cancer.
Related Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum
resources include:
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