Ulcerative Colitis

Newswire : Releases : "Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer..." Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer; March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 3/8/2006 3:40:00 PM To: National Desk, Health Reporter Contact: Beth Bukata, 703-227-0141 or bethb@astro.org; Nick Lashinsky, 703-227-0185 or nickl@astro.org; both of the ASTRO, Web: http://www.astro.org FAIRFAX, Va., March 8 /U.S.

Newswire/ - More than 148,000 people will learn that they have colorectal cancer this year, making it the third leading cancer in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

While a family history of colon cancer, a diet high in fat and red meat, and a history of polyps in the colon, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease are major risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, the disease can be cured and often prevented if people are screened properly.

Colorectal cancer generally affects men and women equally and it becomes more prevalent as you age.

It can be detected very early on if, beginning at age 50, you follow the proper screening schedules, including a yearly fecal occult blood test, where your stool is checked for blood; a sigmoidoscopy every five years to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps or other abnormal areas; a double-contrast b...

Read more...