ClickCease
TMJ Center of Los Angeles

March 2018 Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

BOOK APPOINTMENT
Colorectal cancer isn’t spoken about a lot, due to what it is and where it happens. It’s natural for human beings to take their digestive system for granted, to do their business, so to speak, and then forget about it.

Until problems start happening, nobody is really concerned with colon health.

The fact is, colorectal cancer is a leading form of cancer in both men and women combined, toggling back and forth between second, third, and fourth on the list of top five cancers diagnosed.

Colorectal cancer keeps the same company as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. That’s why it’s important to a.) raise awareness about it, and b.) do everything we can to stop colorectal cancer in its tracks.

What Exactly is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer starts in the rectum or colon. Most types of colorectal cancers start as growths (or polyps) on the colon or rectum’s inner lining. Some polyps have the potential to turn cancerous over time.

A polyp generally takes 10 to 15 years to turn cancerous, but we’d like to be clear that not all polyps will turn into cancer. But it’s important to catch these early so we can deal with them before they become potentially serious issues.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Naturally, you might be asking yourself, “Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?”

It’s certainly true that certain factors will increase a person’s chance of getting colorectal cancer. Here are a few:

  • Being overweight
  • Being physically inactive
  • Keeping a diet high in red meat (beef, pork, even lamb)
  • Smokers
  • Moderate to heavy alcohol use (more than 2 drinks daily)
  • Family history / genetics
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

If you fall under any of these risk factors, it’s important to keep an eye on your colorectal health and schedule a screening at least once a year in adulthood and beyond.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

If you find yourself exhibiting any of the following symptoms (or any combination of them), please contact Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health immediately, so we can assess the situation and avoid serious trouble down the road.

  • Dramatic change in bowel movements (sudden diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stool lasting more than a few days).
  • Bowel movement sensation that isn’t relieved after going to the bathroom.
  • Rectal bleeding (looking for bright red blood that isn’t brought on by rough toilet paper).
  • Bloody stool, which may make the stool appear dark.
  • Abdominal cramping.
  • Belly pain.
  • Weakness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

1 in 20 people will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 3 people are not up to date when it comes to their colorectal cancer screenings, which is a shame, because 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could have been prevented with a screening.

We’re here to help. Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health believes just as much in preventive medicine as we do in helping you deal with issues when they arise for you. Schedule your next colorectal cancer screening today with Dr. Davidson. We provide a warm, comfortable atmosphere where the focus remains on keeping you healthy.

Our Blogs

Inside the World of Video Capsule Endoscopy

Back to BlogsVideo capsule endoscopy is a way for your doctor to see inside your digestive system and diagnose problems. In this procedure, you swallow a vitamin-size capsule that contains a tiny wireless camera. This camera takes pictures of your digestive tract and...

5 Important Facts about Celiac Disease

Back to BlogsCeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. It tends to run in families and has no known cure except for a lifelong, strictly gluten-free diet. If you’re experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and consistent...

GERD Relief is Possible

Back to BlogsTired of living with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)? This condition, also called heartburn or acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows into the esophagus and irritates the esophageal lining. It can have a number of causes, including a diet...

Call to Schedule

Our office is available to answer your questions and evaluate your symptoms.

Skip to content