Medvantx Bringing Awareness to National Colorectal Cancer Month
Join Medvantx in bringing awareness to National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
Colorectal cancer (CRC), is the second deadliest cancer and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, affecting over 100,000 people each year. One in 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime and this year, CRC is expected to cause over 50,000 deaths. Although the exact cause of Colorectal Cancer remains unknown, routine screening can help to catch it as early as possible when treatment is most effective.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
CRC begins in the lower portion of your digestive system. Cells grow out of control, accumulate in the lining of the colon or rectum and form polyps which can become cancerous. Precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancers don’t always cause symptoms therefore it’s vital to get screened regularly. Classic symptoms to watch for include blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits (more frequent or looser stools), abdominal pain, and weight loss.
As we age the risk of developing Colorectal Cancer increases; screening has been shown to reduce the risk of death and is recommended for patients beginning at age 45. People with an increased risk such as having a family history of CRC, IBS, or a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch Syndrome may be recommended to consider screening sooner. Some lifestyles factors that may contribute to an increased risk of CRC include lack of physical activity, obesity, high consumption of red and processed meat, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and low intake of fiber.
Although the rate of diagnosis with CRC has dropped significantly for people aged 65 or older, it has increased for people under the age of 50. Over the years, the outlook for people with CRC has improved due to the adoption of national screening programs and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors. Screening is key to finding CRC early and treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and on how soon a diagnosis was made.
What You Can Do
CRC is slow growing but with early, diagnosis, and drug therapy the outlook is optimistic.
Last year Medvantx dispensed over 32,000 prescriptions nationwide to help treat patients with Colorectal Cancer. We would like to increase CRC awareness and encourage you to assess your risk factors and see if there are any lifestyles changes that might benefit you, as well as speak to your HCP to find out if it’s time to schedule a colorectal screening.
