March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

In February 2000, President Bill Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it has grown to be a true rallying point for the colon cancer community. Every year, thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country join together to spread colon cancer awareness by participating in National Dress in Blue Day, as well as hosting fundraising and education events, and talking to friends and family about the importance of colorectal cancer screenings.

This year, National Dress in Blue Day is Friday, March 7. To learn how to get involved, go to the Colon Cancer Awareness Alliance’s website, www.ccalliance.org.

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, colon cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people 50 years or older. The American Cancer Society ranks colorectal cancer as the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately. It is the second-leading cause when both genders are combined. It is expected to cause about 50,310 deaths during 2014.

Medical experts at Quality Insights of Delaware agree that early detection of colorectal cancer can save lives, and it is important for patients to follow through on getting screened. It is equally important for providers to remind their patients to get regular cancer screenings.

With regular screening, colon cancer can be found early, when treatment is most effective. In many cases, screening can prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous. And if cancer is present, earlier detection means a chance at a longer life.

Visit www.qide.org for more information.