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Palmetto Health recognizes March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Carolina Panorama - 3/22/2018

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Palmetto Health encourages community members to learn about their risk for colorectal cancer, visit their primary care physician and schedule a colonoscopy to get screened.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, nearly 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and an estimated 50,000 die of the disease. However, there are several screening tests that can detect colorectal cancer early so it can be more easily and successfully treated.

"The most common symptom of early colorectal cancer is no symptom-that is why routine screening is important, so I really encourage men and women, especially those over the age of 50, to get screened," said Georges Postic, M.D., gastroenterologist, Palmetto Health-USC Columbia Gastroenterology Associates.

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Here are some tips for prevention:

· Be physically active for at least 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week.

· Maintain a healthy weight and waist size.

· Don't smoke. If you do smoke, quit.

· Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you're a woman, or two drinks per day if you're a man.

· Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are good sources of fiber.

· Eat less red meat and cut out processed meat.

· Get screened according to the guidelines.

For more information about Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group, visit www.phuscmg.org/.