THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
~More than 90 percent of cases occur in people age 50 and older~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to educate and increase awareness of colorectal cancer prevention.
“Beginning at age 50, an annual colon screening is a must for prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. Screening saves lives,” said DOH Family Health Services Division Director Annette Phelps, A.R.N.P., M.S.N. “Early detection of cancer is critically important as survival is nearly 90 percent when removed before the cancer has spread beyond the intestinal wall.”
Colorectal cancer, most commonly known as colon cancer, develops slowly in the colon or rectum over a period of several years. Changes often occur in the lining of the colon or rectum, which may be either non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Colonoscopy is one screening method that can detect abnormalities and cancer in the colon and rectum. Abnormal tissue can often be removed at the time of screening. Colon screening is one means to save lives and improve health outcomes through early detection.
Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death for both males and females. According to Florida’s cancer registry, 10,336 colorectal cases were diagnosed in 2005, the most current year for available data.
Risk factors that increase a person's chance of colorectal cancer include:
DOH encourages Floridians 50 and older to consult with their physician to discuss their risk for colorectal cancer, recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, and treatment, if diagnosed with this type of cancer.
DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. For more information about colorectal cancer, visit the DOH web site at www.doh.state.fl.us/family/cancer/index.html, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at www.cdc.gov or call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.
