News Release
For Immediate Release: March 3, 2008
Contact Person: Diane Lee, 301-334-7730
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH -
EARLY STAGES OF COLORECTAL CANCER
MAY NOT HAVE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Maryland . The American Cancer Society projects approximately 154,000 new cases and 52,000 deaths in 2007 in the United States . And of those, 2,870 new cases and 970 deaths are projected to be in Maryland.
A big problem with colorectal cancer is that it does not usually produce symptoms in its early stages, so you can look healthy, feel fine, and not know there may be a problem. If signs and symptoms are present, they may include: bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, abdominal mass, cramps, or pain, and iron deficiency anemia that is not caused by other conditions.
The major risk factor for colorectal cancer is age. More than 90% of colorectal cancer is found in people age 50 years and over. The American Cancer Society recommends screening for all people ages 50 years and over, and before 50 for people with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps (small growths that can turn into cancer), and individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn colitis). Women with cancer of the ovary or endometrium (womb) before the age of 50 also need to start screening earlier.
There are several tests for colorectal cancer. One such test is colonoscopy which uses a flexible tube with a light to look inside the large bowel or colon to find cancer or to find and remove polyps, small growths that can turn into cancer. When the disease is caught early, it is 90 percent treatable. "That's why colorectal cancer screening is so critical," says Dr. William Pope. "It is important to remember that screening for colorectal cancer could save your life."
The Garrett County Health Department is educating the public on the benefits of early testing and providing free colorectal cancer testing for eligible individuals in order to decrease cancer mortality and cancer disparities in Maryland . For more information about colorectal cancer and the availability of colorectal cancer screening for qualifying individuals, please contact the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.