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Awareness

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women.

Colorectal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the lower digestive tract.  Colon cancer forms in the large intestine, a muscular tube about 6 feet long that is part of the body's digestive system.  Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine.

If you are age 50 or older, be sure and visit your physician once every 5 years for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.  A simple procedure, done in your physicians office, the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy can detect cancer of the sigmoid colon at very early stages.  Look for a reminder in the mail, or just call 952-831-1551 to schedule yours today! Once you've scheduled your appointment look at Preparing for your Flexible Sigmoidoscopy for instructions.

Upon consulting with your physician, you may decide to also have a colonoscopy or barium enema.  Two other excellent tests for preventing and detecting colon cancer.