Colorectal Cancer Resources

 

Colorectal Cancer Quick Facts & Resources

Did you know...

  • Cancer of the colon and rectum - called colorectal cancer - is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.
  • If detected early, colorectal cancer can be successfully treated 90% of the time. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for the early detection of colon cancer.
  • A colonoscopy is recommended for healthy individuals without symptoms or a family history at the age of 50.
  • 20 states have legislation that requires insurance providers to cover the cost of preventative colorectal cancer screenings. Wisconsin is not among them.
  • For every dollar that is spent on the early detection of colon cancer, three are saved in treatment.
  • If you have a colon or a rectum, you are at risk for developing colorectal cancer. The most common symptom of colon cancer is no symptom.
  • If you have a change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools) see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
  • If you have unexplained weight loss, vomiting, lack of energy, unexplained anemia, see your doctor and get a colonocopy.
  • If you have blood in the stool or from the rectum, see your doctor and get a colonoscopy. If you have abdominal pain/discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps, feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely) see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
  • The incidence of colorectal cancer among men in their 20’s and 30’s has increased 17% over the past 20 years.
  • Fear, denial, and embarrassment are the most common roadblocks that keep people from being screened.
  • Being 50 or older is a risk factor for colon cancer.
  • You are at risk if someone in your family has a history of colon cancer or a history of polyps in the colon.
  • Ask about your family’s medical history if you don’t already know it.
  • You are at risk if you have a history of polyps in your colon. You are at risk if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease.
  • 20% of colon cancers occur in people who are under the age of 50.

Colorectal Cancer Resources:

  • www.nccra.org A non-profit organization for colorectal cancer research and awareness regarding colorectal cancer screening, prevention and treatment options.
  • www.ccalliance.org Provides patents support services and information research and advocacy related to all aspects of colorectal cancer.
  • www.colorectal-cancer.net An organization of colorectal cancer survivors providing support, awareness, screening programs and legislative actions.
  • www.hereditarycc.org Promotes awareness, education, and prevention of hereditary colon cancer and advocates for more research for those who are at risk or currently have a hereditary colon cancer.

General Cancer Resources:

  • www.monahancenter.org (A multidisciplinary prevention and treatment center for all gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer, established at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The site contains information on how to reduce your risks for cancer and how to cope with diagnosis and treatment.
  • www.aacr.org American Association for Cancer Research provides cancer education to health professionals and the public.
  • www.cancer.org American Cancer Society for prevention and early-detection programs as well as cancer information and support for those with cancer, their families and the general public.
  • www.acor.org A unique collection of online cancer-related communities designed to provide timely and accurate information. Also provides online mailing lists and web-based resources.
 
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