Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is cancer of the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers in the United States. 1 in 25 women (and 1 in 23 men) will develop colon cancer in their lifetime.
Wondering what your risk is and what you can do about it? Trying to figure out if you need a colonoscopy? In our new program, we delve into these questions so you can better understand the disease and learn how regular screenings can help prevent most cases.
In recent years, the recommendation for colon cancer screening has moved from age 50 to age 45, as younger people are getting colon cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) to see at what age you should be screened. In some cases, it can be even earlier than 45.
So was Alicia Maslar, who shared her story. “When I was 32, I was going to get married and have children. Then I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.” He never imagined that he could get colon cancer at such a young age. “I want women to advocate for themselves and have access to a colonoscopy, especially if they have symptoms and are younger than the recommended screening age,” she explained.
Regardless of your age, everything about being diagnosed with colon cancer can be overwhelming, from understanding your treatment options to managing your mental health, we can help you navigate the next steps.
The good news is that colon cancer is highly preventable. In our infographic, We Need to Talk About Colon Cancer , we address stigma in hopes that more people will address the early symptom with their HCP, which is critical for better outcomes.
Read on to learn more about the screening, prevention, and treatment of this common disease.
This resource was created with the support of Merck.