Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Since 2000, March has been dedicated as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. As the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is found most often in people 50 years and older, and affects all races and ethnicities. Although more than 90% of colorectal cancer cases are found in those 50 years and older, other risk factors include having an inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal cancer, a genetic syndrome like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome), and other lifestyle factors (lack of exercise, poor diet, overweight/obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use).

Changing lifestyle risks and getting regular screenings are two simple steps to help prevent colorectal cancer. In 2016, approximately 67.3% of adults in the United States aged 50 to 75 years were up-to-date on their colorectal cancer screenings while 25.6% of the same population had never been screened. The Wicomico County Health Department’s Colorectal Cancer Program provides no cost screenings to eligible individuals as well as help navigating the healthcare system. Last fiscal year, the program helped 35 eligible clients receive preventative screenings and has helped 20 more since July 2019.

The program also educates the community about colorectal cancer through health fairs, outreach events and social media. This March, the Colorectal Cancer Program will provide outreach at Chesapeake Health Care, Wor-Wic Community College, and MAC Inc. and will join Peninsula Regional Medical Center at Bennett High School for their annual HealthFest Event. Additionally, on March 21st, Oasis Radio will have a segment on colorectal cancer that will include discussion about the health department’s screening program. To help spread awareness about colorectal cancer, the Wicomico County Health Department will participate in Dress in Blue Day on March 6, 2020.

For more information on colorectal cancer and its awareness month, visit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance at www.ccalliance.org or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov . For information on the local Colorectal Cancer Program, including program eligibility or outreach opportunities, call (410) 548-5175 or connect with us on our website www.wicomicohealth.org , Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.