Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  The Broome County Health Department and the Southern Tier Cancer Services Program are teaming up to urge everyone to speak with their doctor about getting tested for colorectal cancer or colon cancer.  All men and women who are 50 years of age or older should get screened for colorectal cancer.  In addition anyone who has a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or polyps should consult with medical experts on when and how often they should get tested for colorectal cancer.

According to information supplied by the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Services Program of the Southern Tier colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in New York State.  Over 9,000 New York residents develop colorectal cancer every year with more than 3,000 cases causing death.

Colorectal cancer often does not cause symptoms in the early stages.  In later stages symptoms can include sudden weight loss, a change in bowel habits, and blood in their stool.  For additional information go online to:

www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/screening.htm