Colorectal Cancer Screening
Know your risks for one of the top four cancers in Maine
-Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer 3/2025
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2021 approximately 706 new cases of Colorectal cancer were diagnosed in Maine. Anyone can develop Colorectal cancer, and our risks go up as we age, but we are seeing growing numbers of young people being diagnosed with this dangerous cancer. Diet, environment and family history contribute to developing colorectal cancer. An annual visit to your doctor is your first and best step in the process of screening.
Many cancers go undetected as they don’t show symptoms until later stages - timely screenings are the best way to diagnose early. Any change in bowel habits as well as diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, gas, bloating, cramps, fatigue and unexplained weight loss would be a reason to see your doctor. Colorectal cancer can come from small growths in your colon that start out harmless but can turn into cancer. These growths are called polyps and can be removed during a colonoscopy if needed. Colonoscopy is a moderately easy medical procedure that lets the physician see inside your colon and find and fix any polyps before they become cancerous. Screening for colorectal cancer usually starts around age 50 and most people will have at least one colonoscopy in their lifetime.
If you are overweight, have family with colon cancer, smoke, drink more than 3 drinks a day or 21 a week, or have Crohn’s disease/colitis for more than 8 yrs, please consult with your healthcare provider about screening options. Don’t put it off. Early detection and treatment is key.
If you need assistance or more information visit our website www.crcofwm..org
(Information obtained from Center for Disease Control and Medlineplus.gov/coloncancer.html
(National Library of Medicine, 2025)
Know your risks for one of the top four cancers in Maine
-Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer 3/2025
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2021 approximately 706 new cases of Colorectal cancer were diagnosed in Maine. Anyone can develop Colorectal cancer, and our risks go up as we age, but we are seeing growing numbers of young people being diagnosed with this dangerous cancer. Diet, environment and family history contribute to developing colorectal cancer. An annual visit to your doctor is your first and best step in the process of screening.
Many cancers go undetected as they don’t show symptoms until later stages - timely screenings are the best way to diagnose early. Any change in bowel habits as well as diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, gas, bloating, cramps, fatigue and unexplained weight loss would be a reason to see your doctor. Colorectal cancer can come from small growths in your colon that start out harmless but can turn into cancer. These growths are called polyps and can be removed during a colonoscopy if needed. Colonoscopy is a moderately easy medical procedure that lets the physician see inside your colon and find and fix any polyps before they become cancerous. Screening for colorectal cancer usually starts around age 50 and most people will have at least one colonoscopy in their lifetime.
If you are overweight, have family with colon cancer, smoke, drink more than 3 drinks a day or 21 a week, or have Crohn’s disease/colitis for more than 8 yrs, please consult with your healthcare provider about screening options. Don’t put it off. Early detection and treatment is key.
If you need assistance or more information visit our website www.crcofwm..org
(Information obtained from Center for Disease Control and Medlineplus.gov/coloncancer.html
(National Library of Medicine, 2025)