March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The Wyoming Department of Health has released the following:

Because more than 80 percent of all colorectal cancer cases can be prevented if important screening recommendations are followed, the Wyoming Department of Health is reminding residents not to avoid suggested tests.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Wyoming and across the country, affecting both men and women. Most colon cancer cases begin as benign, pre-cancerous polyps, which can be detected and removed during screening procedures.

“Removing polyps early can prevent colon cancer,” said Dr. Brent Sherard, Wyoming Department of Health director and state health officer. “So with colorectal cancer, it truly is a matter of a simple test saving lives.”

Sherard noted seven out of 10 people with colorectal cancer have no apparent symptoms, which means getting checked before symptoms develop is crucial.

Current recommendations include regular colon checks for those age 50 or older and earlier screening for those at higher risk. People with higher risk include those who:

*Are African American, American Indian, or Alaskan Native

*Have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

*Have a personal or family history of other types of cancer

*Have poor diet and exercise habits, type 2 diabetes or smoke or drink heavily

“By waiting – or avoiding – having their colons checked, many people are greatly increasing their risk for the disease,” -Dr. Brent Sherard

Dress in Blue Day, set for March 4, is a nationwide event planned to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and its prevention. Communities, schools and workplaces across the country are encouraging people to wear blue to stress the importance of early colon checks.

The Wyoming Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (WCCSP) helps those who cannot afford screening or who have no insurance coverage for the screening procedure by paying for colonoscopy costs for residents who qualify based on age, income and residency. To learn more about the Wyoming Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, call 1-866-205-5292 or visit http://www.health.wyo.gov/phsd/ccp/index.html.