We Are Committed To Promote Awareness & Educate The Public MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH If you are over the age of 45, now is the time to get screened. Request an Appointment Today! Request Appointment Colon Cancer FAQs What is Colon Cancer? Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, yet many people are uncomfortable talking about it. Colon cancer begins as a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. This growth is called a polyp. Over time, some polyps may develop into cancer. Colon Cancer Statistics Colorectal cancer is the #3 leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the U.S. combined. 1 in 3 adults aged 45-75 are NOT up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screening. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women. Colon cancer incidence rates have dropped 30% in the U.S. in the last 10 years among adults ages 50 and older due to the widespread uptake of colonoscopy. There are more than 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States. In January of 2013, the American Cancer Society reported a 30% decrease in the mortality rate for colorectal cancer. The likelihood of dying from colorectal cancer has been decreasing due to screening. When detected early, colon cancer is over 90% curable. Texas’ colorectal cancer screening rate is only 61% and the National average for screenings per state is 67%. Texans, can, and need to do better. Colon cancer affects men and women equally. Colon cancer is on the rise in young adults – know the signs and symptoms and take them seriously. Colon Cancer Risk Factors Colon cancer can occur in anyone and does not discriminate. However, studies have shown that those who fall into the following categories are at a greater risk of developing the disease: Individuals with a family history of colon polyps or cancer Those with a personal history of colon polyps or cancer People over the age of 45 Those with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease Individuals with the genetic conditions Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC) or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) Certain ethnic groups including African-Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) Colon Cancer Symptoms Oftentimes, symptoms do not appear in the early stages of the disease. Do not wait for these symptoms before talking to your doctor about screening. A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation or a change in stool Rectal bleeding, or finding blood in your stool Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, pain or feeling full or bloated Nausea or vomiting Unexplained weight loss Chronic fatigue Colon Cancer Prevention Take steps to prevent & lower your risk of colon cancer. Here is what you can do: Get screened for colon cancer beginning at age 45, or sooner if you are at higher risk Maintain a healthy weight throughout life Adopt a physically active lifestyle Eat a healthy diet Don’t use tobacco products Limit alcohol intake Request an Appointment Today! Request Appointment News About Colon Cancer Awareness View More 29 Mar Colon Cancer has a super high survival rate if caught early 22 Mar Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early? 15 Mar What’s The Difference Between a Colonoscopy and a Cologuard test? Providing Comprehensive Care for Patients in South Texas Book online or call us to make an appointment today. Request Appointment 210.614.1234 Referring Physicians Patient Portal Careers Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Nondiscrimination Notice Feedback © 2021 Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio. Accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. All Rights Reserved. San Antonio Website Design & Development - Backyard Studios