March is National Colorectal Cancer awareness month and and we are hoping that we can help educate and raise awareness about colorectal cancers.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. It is sometimes called colorectal cancer which is a term that combines colon cancer and rectal cancer which begins in the rectum.

Risk Factors

• Older age, majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50 but the rates on younger age are now increasing.

• African-american race have greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.

• Previously diagnosed with colon polyps, can most likely also get colon cancer.⁠

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can increase your risk of colon cancer.⁠

• Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk.⁠

• Radiation therapy for cancer.⁠

• Family history⁠

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Low-fiber, high fat diet.⁠

• A sedentary lifestyle.⁠

• Diabetes.⁠

• Obesity.

• Smoking.

• Alcohol.⁠

Prevention

• Screening colon cancer⁠

• Lifestyle changes (eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains)⁠

• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.⁠

• Stop smoking⁠

• Exercise most days of the week⁠

• Maintain healthy weight⁠

• Eat lean proteins⁠

• Drink 8 glasses of water/day

Gift the Nerdbugs Intestines/Colon Plush Organ to someone you know who needs extra care and support in this time of hardships ⁠