March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 4, 2021

The NYCDCC Welfare Fund and MSK Direct, a program that offers you guided access to expert cancer care, have once again collaborated to bring you cancer education and awareness. Since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, we have decided to focus on providing you information concerning this important topic. Please see below for more.

WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER?

The colon and rectum are both part of the large intestine, which is sometimes called the bowel. Cancers of both organs are often grouped together as colorectal cancer. Caring for your colon and rectum could save your life. Colorectal cancer often develops slowly over several years. It typically starts as a small abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum called a polyp. Some polyps can eventually grow into cancer.

WHAT IS A COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING (COLONOSCOPY)?

During a colonoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a light and a video camera on its tip is placed in your colon so a doctor can search for polyps. A tool at the end of the scope can remove polyps if they are found. A colonoscopy is the only screening method that not only detects cancer at its earliest stages but can also prevent it.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BE SCREENED?

Under Age 50

• If you have any of the signs of colon cancer or any of the risk factors that you cannot control listed in the MSK Direct brochure, talk with your healthcare provider about when you should get screened.
• Some healthcare providers now recommend screenings starting at age 45. Talk with your primary care provider about the right schedule for you.

Age 50 and Over

• Everyone in this group should be screened with a colonoscopy.
• Talk to your doctor to schedule your colonoscopy.

To learn more about colorectal cancer, please visit MSK Direct’s personalized colon screening page for NYCDCC members at https://www.mskcc.org/direct/nycdcc-welfare-fund/colon-screening or by clicking the banner below.