Copyright 2024
Medical Security Card Company, LLC
All Rights Reserved
WellRx will never sell your personal information. Period. By signing up I agree to WellRx's terms of use and privacy policy.
By Patricks Glorya Pierre, 2022 PharmD Candidate
University of Florida
April 11, 2022
Colorectal cancer is commonly known as colon and rectal cancer. This type of cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth of cells in the inner lining of the large intestine or rectum, also known as polyps.
There are several types of polyps, but adenomatous polyps and sessile serrated polyps are the polyp types often associated with increased risk for colon cancer. When polyps become cancerous, they can spread through many layers of the colon. If not detected at an early stage, the cancerous cells can spread throughout the rest of the body.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports Colorectal cancer as the fourth most common cancer in the United States. The death rate for colorectal cancer is high. It is important to find out what your risk for colorectal cancer is and to get screened for early detection.
Family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
Although colorectal cancer is more common in people without a family history, you are still at an increased risk if you have family members who have had it, especially your parents and siblings.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) history
People with a history of IBD often develop abnormal cells due to inflammation of the colon. These cells can eventually become cancerous if IBD is left untreated.
Age
Most cases of colon cancer occur at 50 years old and older. However, the rate of colon cancer in younger adults has increased. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for anyone between 45 and 75 years old by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This range is where a peak in colon cancer rate is observed.
Race
African Americans are at higher risk for colorectal cancer. The risk of death is also high in this population group.
Diet
It is important to eat a balanced diet to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Ways to improve your diet include:
Smoking
Tobacco use is not only associated with lung cancer, but it can also increase your risk for other types of cancers like colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about quitting options to lower your risk.
Polyps and early tumors are often not symptomatic. Waiting for symptoms to develop before talking to your doctor about colorectal cancer is not the best decision. Early detection through screening tests is extremely important in preventing colorectal cancer, worsening stages of cancer, and possibly death.
If you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, ask your doctor when to get tested and which test is more appropriate for you to take.
There are many testing strategies, here are the most common ones:
Stool tests
Other screening tests
The main barriers to colorectal screenings are lack of knowledge and lack of recommendation from providers. Pharmacists are considered the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public; they can help raise awareness of colorectal cancer. Here is how:
You can also talk to your doctor or visit the CDC website for more information.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2947820/
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/what-is-colorectal-cancer.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
For your convenience, use the ScriptSave® WellRx mobile app. Now savings are well in hand, right at the pharmacy counter. Save on your family's prescription medicines.
Learn MoreYour choice. Get a ScriptSave WellRx Savings Card. Or Download the free mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store
Get A CardScriptSave WellRx Grocery Guidance leverages leading-edge nutritional data science to help you know which food products on your grocery store shelf are truly good for YOU.
Healthy Foods For YouTags:
June 09, 2022
April 26, 2022
You need to log into the site to use this feature
This feature requires registration. Sign up or log in to your free WellRx account to gain access to this and other tools to help make managing your medications and wellness easier.
Benefits Include:
This feature requires registration. Sign up or log in to your free WellRx account to gain access to this and other tools to help make managing your medications and wellness easier.
Benefits Include:
You will be redirected to your program in 5 seconds.
Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy have recently been updated.
By declining you will be logged out of your account