March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The Garrett County Health Department is trying to raise awareness of a potentially life threatening disease.  Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in the United States and nearly five percent of Americans will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

At any time, over one million Americans are currently living with colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More than 56,000 people are expected to die from this disease each year.  However, it is a preventable and curable disease if caught early.

Because there are often no symptoms when it is first developing, colorectal cancer can only be caught early through regular screening. The benefits of early detection and treatment are dramatic. The possibility of a cure after symptoms develop is much less, but if colorectal cancer is found and treated at an early stage before symptoms develop, the opportunity to cure it is 80% or better. 

“Most colon cancers start as non-cancerous growths called polyps,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Garrett County Deputy Health Officer. “If these polyps are found early while they are still non-cancerous, they can be removed and the cancer may be prevented. Major surgery can usually be avoided, as well.  The cost of screening is much less than the cost of cancer treatment.”

The Garrett County Health Department offers some colon cancer screenings at no cost.  Screening services which can be covered are:

• Colonoscopy screening for those age 50 and older
• Colonoscopy screening for those under the age of 50 who have symptoms or risk factors
• FIT testing – a take home testing kit (annual testing- only available to those with no risk factors or symptoms)

Prevention Tips

You may be able to lower your risk of getting colorectal cancer.  Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk and improve your overall health as well:

• Exercise regularly and maintain a normal body weight.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat.
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods.
• Don’t smoke and limit alcohol use.

For more information about the Cancer Screening Program at the Garrett County Health Department please call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.