LiVe Well Senior's Health A NEWSLETTER WITH IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR SENIORS March 2013 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month The month of March has been set to help educate and encourage everyone over the age of 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. If everyone fifty years old or older were screened regularly, thousands of lives could be saved. Colorectal cancer happens when cells that are not normal grow together and form tumors. The risk of getting this form of cancer increases with age. More than 90% of cases occur in men and women 50 years of age and older. Colorectal screening can find precancerous polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early and the treatment often leads to a cure. Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms. You may not even know you have a problem. That is why getting a screening is so important. The U.S. Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all people until they turn 75 years old. Normal colon Colon polyps The symptoms of colon cancer may include; • Blood in the stool • Stomach cramps, aches, or pain that doesn't go away • Losing weight when you don't know why • Fatigue Colon cancer prevention includes maintaining a healthy weight, don't smoke, be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week, and limit your alcohol intake to 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men. Eat less red meat and cut out processed meat, eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center 45