M arch
Colorectal
Cancer
Awareness
Month
M
arch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month,
and a good time to learn more about colorectal
cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) and
how it can be prevented or best treated.
• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. If
you use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco,
don’t start. Alcohol and tobacco in combination
are linked to colorectal cancer and other
gastrointestinal cancers.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer-related deaths in the United States for both
men and women combined. This year, approximately
• Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days
140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be
each week. Moderate exercise such as walking,
diagnosed and 56,000 people will die from the disease.
gardening or climbing steps may help.
“But colorectal cancer is a disease that can be
prevented through regular screenings, a healthy diet
Can colorectal cancer be cured?
and regular exercise,” explained Dr. Bruce A. Orkin,
Since there are very few symptoms associated with
board-certified colorectal surgeon and the Director of colorectal cancer, regular screening is essential.
Colorectal Robotic Surgery at AdventHealth Medical
Screening is beneficial for two main reasons: colorectal
Group.
cancer is preventable if polyps that lead to the cancer
are detected and removed, and it is curable if the
cancer is detected in its early stages.
How can I lower my risk?
To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, the American
“If detected, colorectal cancer requires surgery in
Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends
nearly all cases for complete cure, sometimes in
that you:
conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy,” said
Dr. Orkin. “Between 80-90% of patients are restored to
• Get regular colorectal cancer screenings after age
normal health if the cancer is detected and treated in
50. Between 80-90% of colorectal cancer patients
the earliest stages. However, the cure rate drops to 50%
are restored to normal health if their cancer is
or less when diagnosed in the later stages.”
detected and treated in the earliest stages.
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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MARCH 2019