March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Published March 25, 2009 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- In 2009, roughly 149,000 Americans will discover they have this form of cancer. Within the next 12 months, it will claim the lives of approximately 50,000 people. While not as widely publicized as other forms of cancer, colorectal cancer remains one of the most lethal, according to the National Cancer Institute. To help improve the odds of survival, health care providers with the 366th Medical Group joined forces with hospitals and medical centers across the nation to spread the prevention message during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which ends here March 31. Colorectal cancer, which develops in tissues in the digestive system, includes colon and rectal cancer. While medical researchers don't know what exactly causes colorectal cancer, they can identify risk factors that increase people's odds of developing it. Colorectal cancer typically affects people over the age of 50 with the average diagnosis age at 72. People with polyps, or growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum, are also at a higher risk. People with close relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer are more likely to develop the disease, and genetic alterations can also increase the risk. A person already treated for this form of cancer may develop it a second time, so frequent testing is recommended, according to base medical officials. Meanwhile, patients with Crohn's disease -- inflammation of the colon -- may also be at risk. In addition, patients who smoke or have diets high in fat or low in fruits and vegetables also remain in the higher-risk category. Regular checkups serve as the frontline of defense against this type of cancer, especially those in the high-risk category, officials said. These tests help doctors spot polyps or cancer before the first symptoms appear. Removing these polyps can prevent cancer from developing, and treatment for the disease is more successful if started early, officials added. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include diarrhea or constipation, a feeling the bowel is not completely empty, bloody stool, or stool narrower than usual, frequent gas pains or cramps, loss of weight for no known reason as well as fatigue, nausea or vomiting. While these symptoms are most often not due to cancer, anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor especially since early cancer stages may not cause people to feel any pain, base medical officials said. The base hospital offers two types of colorectal cancer tests -- a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy with a barium enema. People over the age of 50 with parents or siblings diagnosed with the cancer should schedule an initial screening 10 years before their relative's diagnosed age or after turning 50, whichever comes first. As an extra precaution, people over 40 years of age should schedule annual rectal exams. To schedule an appointment, call the base hospital appointment line at 828-7900. More information on colorectal cancer is available online at www.cancer.gov.