Colorectal Cancer 3 Things to Know

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The disease is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. And, recent studies show the rate of this disease is rising in younger people, especially people between 45-49 years of age. Here’s what you should know:

• Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable; a colonoscopy screening is the key to early detection
• Lifestyle changes can reduce your risk; eating healthy, exercising often and losing excess weight help prevent cancer
• Some risk factors can’t be changed; age, family history and inflammatory bowel disease increase your risk

Talk with your doctor or gastroenterologist about your risk for colorectal cancer and when you should start getting screened.