March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | Anne ...

HELP AAGA CATCH A KILLER ? SPREAD THE WORD AND SAVE A LOVED ONE!

Annapolis, MD ? Mar. 1, 2012 ? March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates (AAGA) are passionate about the early detection of colorectal cancer. AAGA is asking for your help in stopping this deadly disease. Anyone you know, who is age 50 and over or who has a family history of the disease, is being advised to be screened for colorectal cancer. AAGA is on a mission to spread the message of colon cancer prevention and save lives.

Colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer, is one of the most preventable cancers because the majority of colorectal cancers arise from precancerous growths in the colon called polyps. These polyps can be found during a screening exam, and removed before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer is considered a silent killer because often there are no symptoms until it is too late to treat. Age is the single most important risk factor for the disease, so even people who lead a healthy lifestyle can still develop polyps and cancer. Both men and women are affected by colorectal cancer equally. AAGA recommends screening begin at age 50; sooner if there is a family history of polyps, colorectal cancer or other risk factors. Some experts suggest African-Americans should begin screening at age 45.

Colonoscopy is considered the preferred screening test because it is a preventive exam. It is the only test that both finds and removes precancerous polyps during the same exam. A person at average risk with normal colonoscopy results won?t need another exam for 10 years. Should a polyp or cancer be found, screening intervals may be more frequent. Talk to your physician about an appropriate screening schedule, and which screening option is best for you.

Join AAGA?s Facebook page and spread the word to your friends about colorectal cancer prevention. Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable!

If you would like to discuss risk factors, symptoms, or detection of colorectal cancer, please contact your physician or Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates at (410)224-2116. For more information regarding colorectal cancer, please visit our website at www.aagastro.com.

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Source: http://aagastro.com/2012/03/march-is-national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month/

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