|
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection is one of the most important strategies in the battle against cancer. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Putnam County Department of Health would like to remind you that screening tests are particularly important for detecting colorectal cancer. There are often no apparent symptoms for colorectal cancer until it has spread and become life-threatening.
Colorectal cancer - cancer of the bowel or rectum - is a health risk that we are hearing about more often these days, but it is still too easy for us to put it out of our minds. Because it is easy to ignore, many people are not tested for colorectal cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. In many cases, a test can find polyps which can be removed before they ever develop into cancer. Nearly 90% of all colorectal cancer cases could be prevented through regular screening tests.
The Putnam County Department of Health recommends that everyone aged 50 and older should talk to their health care provider about a test for colorectal cancer. Those individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, who have other high risk conditions, may even need to begin testing at an earlier age.
Colorectal cancer is more common than many people realize. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the nation and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation. It is estimated that one in 18 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
Some people are at greater risk than others of developing colorectal cancer. Although colorectal cancer can strike younger adults, more than nine in 10 new cases are in people aged 50 or older. You may also be at higher risk if your parent, sibling or child had colorectal cancer. People with a history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease are also more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
"There are ways to help protect against developing colorectal cancer. There is some evidence that animal fat may increase a person's risk. Eating five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily can help reduce fat, increase dietary fiber and protect against colorectal and other cancer," said Dr. Sherlita Amler Putnam County's Commissioner of Health.
Some studies show that participating in regular physical activity may reduce the risk of getting cancer of the colon and rectum. The New York State Department of Health recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week, to protect against cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, decreased appetite, weakness and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms you should tell your health care provider.
The New York State Department of Health supports 30 community-based partnerships to provide colorectal cancer screening and colorectal and prostate cancer education for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Through the Putnam County Department of Health, the State supports the Putnam County Healthy Living Partnership Program which provides free cancer screenings for those who qualify. The Putnam County Healthy Living Partnership will be at the following sites in Putnam County now through the end of March handing out free colorectal cancer screening kits:
Wednesday, March 15, Putnam County Office Building on Gleneida Avenue in Carmel, 9 am 4 pm
Monday, March 20, Gold's Gym on Route 6 in Carmel, 7 am 11 am
Tuesday, March 21, Southeast Club on Lake Shore Drive in Brewster, 1:30 pm 3:30 pm
Monday, March 27, St. Lawrence O'Toole Senior Club in Brewster, 1 pm 3 pm
For more information or to receive a free colorectal cancer screening kit, please call the Putnam County Department of Health at 845-278-6558 ext. 2114.
| 
