March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Are You At Risk?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers found in Americans and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

Lahey Clinic’s Colon and Rectal Surgery Department is hosting free events at the hospital all month aimed at helping you to learn more about colorectal cancer and your individual risks.

Visit Lahey’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Information Table

March 2^nd from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington

Main lobby

For those who can’t visit the info table, here are some common risk factors that could increase your odds for developing colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer:

• Age: More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people age 50 years or more
• A high fat diet
• Obesity
• Smoking: The risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer is greater in long-term smokers compared with people who do not smoke
• Personal history of colorectal polyps
• Personal history of colorectal cancer
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Personal history of treatment for cancer of any kind: Studies show that people who have been treated for certain cancers have higher rates of colorectal cancer. In particular, radiation treatment might increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer
• Family history of colorectal cancer: Although most colorectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease, research shows that 1 in 5 people with colorectal cancer have a family member who has or has had the disease
• Excessive alcohol consumption: More than 2 drinks per day for men and more than 1 drink per day for women
• Being physically inactive

If you believe you may be at risk for colorectal cancer, you are urged to talk with your doctor. Additionally, you’re invited to contact the Colon and Rectal Surgery Department at Lahey Clinic and make an appointment for detailed screening.