Awareness is key when it comes to preventing and beating certain types of cancer. This is especially true for colorectal cancer, which is highly preventable, but is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
With colorectal cancer, cancer starts in either the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth, called a polyp, which first develops in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps can be removed before they become cancer.
It is particularly important to raise awareness of colorectal cancer within the African American community, since according to the National Cancer Institute, African Americans are more likely to develop the disease and die from it compared to any other group in the U.S. Research from the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows the death rates are about 45% higher in African Americans than in Caucasians. This is due largely to the fact that African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed in later stages. Lack of health education and awareness plays a role.
The ACS shows that symptoms of colorectal cancer can include diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleeding, blood in your stool, and abdominal cramps. At first however, there may be few or no symptoms at all. It is crucial to have regular screenings, regardless of symptoms. If you are 50 years of age or older, you must get screened. Colorectal cancer is often treatable when detected at an early stage.
Screening tests for colorectal cancer include a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy, a fecal occult blood test, double contrast barium enema, and a CT colonography.
You can help spread the word about colorectal cancer and the importance of screenings by talking to family members and friends.