
With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, BCCAP wants to make sure you know the myths and facts surrounding colorectal cancer. There is a lot of information about colorectal cancer, but we are here to make sure you are getting the truth.
MYTH: Colorectal cancer can only happen when you are old.
Colorectal cancer diagnoses are on the rise in young adults and have been for years. Recently the colorectal cancer typical screening age has moved to 45 years old. Although this is when we are urged to get screened, doctors are pushing even college students to look for symptoms such as changes in bowel habits as they could be affected as well.
FACT: The colonoscopy preparation and procedure are quite easy.
Preparation for a colonoscopy happens the day before by cleansing and emptying your bowel. The procedure itself is not painful and sedation is usually used to minimize any discomfort.
MYTH: Family history is the only factor that contributes to getting colorectal cancer.
While family history does influence your risk of developing colorectal cancer, we must realize there are other important factors as well. These include pre-existing medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, lifestyle choices such as diets, and smoking and alcohol use.
FACT: Colorectal cancer can be prevented with screening.
The goal of screening for colorectal cancer is to prevent cancer and not just find it when it has already developed. During screening doctors are often looking for polyps which are small precancerous growths. These growths can be easily found during screening as well as removed to prevent development.
The most important fact to know about colorectal cancer is that getting screening is in your best interest and is extremely important for your health.
By Oakley Jandreau
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