Doctors promote prevention for Colon Cancer Month
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -- Up to 50,000 people a year die from colon cancer. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. That is why this month is set aside to build awareness for this deadly issue.
Following the doctor's orders can be tough when it comes to getting regular colonoscopy's, but if detected early Colon Cancer can be completely prevented.
"We are just trying to catch cancer early with mammograms and PSA's, with colon cancer we are actually trying to prevent it- with colon cancer we are just trying to prevent it from coming at all," explains Dr. Brent Prosser.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest you should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50.
"The main risk for having colon cancer is family history and lifestyle. In terms of lifestyle, colon cancer is a lot more common in folks who live the good ole American lifestyle. People who eat a lot of red meat and animal fats, people who don't exercise," said Dr. Prosser.
According to the CDC, some of the symptoms are blood in or on the stool, stomach pain, aches or cramps that don't go away and losing weight and you don't know why.
The most important thing for people to remember is that they really should get their screenings and colonoscopy's done," said Dr. Prosser.
"I think it's something you need to do and you need to follow through with it. It's good health and it makes good sense," said resident Tim Brady.
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