Cancer Care Ontario raises awareness about colorectal cancer

It's time to make the first move against cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) is on a mission to raise awareness about an organ that doesn't get the attention it deserves.

The colon plays a major role in the digestive system, helping to remove waste from the body. In Ontario, approximately 8,900 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2014. So, CCO is encouraging all Ontarians to make the first move and reduce their risk of developing cancer. This can be done by making healthier lifestyle choices, as your chances of developing colorectal cancer can be influenced by poor diet, lack of physical exercise and obesity.

In fact, a new report from CCO shows that the number of obese Ontarians is increasing and that a large proportion of people are not eating enough fruits and vegetables or getting enough exercise.

Another way to protect yourself is through screening. If you're between the ages of 50 to 74, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about getting screened for colorectal cancer using a fecal occult blood test kit (FOBT), which can be done at home.

QUICK FACTS:

• Colon cancer is cancer of the large bowel (colon), which is the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last six inches of the colon. Together, they are referred to as colorectal cancer.
   
• In Ontario, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men and third most common cause of cancer deaths in women.
   
• Someone with colorectal cancer has a 90 per cent chance of being cured if the cancer is caught early.

QUOTES

"Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Ontarians today. An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and obesity all contribute to the risk of colorectal cancer. By making healthier choices and being screened regularly, men and women can lower their risk."

- Dr. Catherine Dubé, Clinical Lead, ColonCancerCheck program, Cancer Care Ontario

Learn more at cancercare.on.ca/colon and discover your personal cancer risk at mycanceriq.ca. For more information about screening, please visit cancercare.on.ca/screenforlife.