Cancer Warning Signs You Should Know (NAPSA)—Cancer of the colon and rectum—called colorectal can- cer—can be cured, but it has to be found early. That’s why it’s so important to understand your risks for colorectal cancer, the symptoms and the screening tests that can detect cancerous growth. Colorectal cancer is the second- leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and both men and womenare equally at risk. Colorectal cancer begins with no symptomsat all. However, over time, there are a number of warn- ing signs that can occur, such as: Rectal bleeding Blood in yourstool e A recent change in your bowel movements, especially in the shape of your stool Discomfort in having a bowel movement, or the urge to move your bowels when there is no need Cramping pain in your lower abdomen Frequent gas pains Weight loss without dieting * Constant fatigue. Colorectal cancer usually develops from precancerous polyps. A polyp is a mushroom- like growth on the inside wall of the colon or rectum. These polyps grow slowly over many years and most people don’t develop them until after the age of 50. “Some polyps become cancerous, others do not,” said Linda Lee, M.D., spokesperson for the Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for colorectal cancer and which screening test you might require. American Gastroenterological Association and from Johns Hopkins University School of Medi- cine. “In order to decrease the likelihood of colorectal cancer, it is important to get screened to find out if you have polyps and to have them removed if you do.” With regular colorectal cancer screening, more than one-third of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided. A gastroenterologist can dis- cuss your risk factors and which method of screening you might require. Your doctor can also offer some tips on making healthy lifestyle choices that will lower yourrisk. For more on colorectal cancer and to find a gastroenterologist in your area, visit the American Gastroenterological Association at www.gastro.org/patient. Editor’s Note: March is Colorectal Cancer Month.
