Early Detection Is The Best Protection! CDC RecommendsColorectal Cancer Screenings @ (NAPSA)—Thestatistics around colorectal cancer (CRC) arefrightening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CRC is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women.Butit is also highly treatable and, in manycases, preventable, if discovered early. It is estimated that as manyas 60 percent of CRC deaths could be prevented if those at risk would undergo routine screenings. CDC and the National Center some symptomsinclude: Blood in or on stool e Consistent pain, aches or cramps in the stomach e Change in bowel habits, such as narrow stools Weightloss. There are several tests for colo- rectal cancer screening: fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), stool DNAtest, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double contrast barium enema (DCBE), CT colonography, and digital rectal exam (DRE). for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)rec- Your health care provider can help Although it is important for everyone over the age of 50 to get vent CRC? e At 50, get screened. Speak with your health care provider if you have a family ommend periodic colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50. screened for CRC, it is especially important for those with a family history of colorectal polyps or CRC. Others at high risk include AfricanAmericans (who are 15 percent more likely to get CRC than Caucasians), smokers and people who are overweight. CRC does not always have symptoms, which is why screening is so important. However, determine which test is most appropriate for you. What can you do to help pre- history of CRC. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise, healthy eating habits and regular checkups. For more information about colorectal cancer, please visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/cancer/colo rectal/ or speak with your health care provider.
