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Colorectal Cancer Facts:

 

  • Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada!

  • Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Canada!

  • Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer!

  • Caught early, colorectal cancer is 90% curable and 95% preventable!

  • Colorectal cancer afflicts just as many women as men!

  • One in 14 Canadians is expected to develop colorectal cancer!

  • Every year, more than 26 000 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 9 700 people will die from colon cancer.

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Colorectal Cancer Prevention:

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Most common ways to reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer:

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  • Eat a diet low in fat (avoid red meat) and high in fruits, vegetables, and fibre

  • Avoid smoking

  • Reduce your alcohol intake

  • Maintain a normal body weight

  • Exercise regularly

  • Increase your calcium and vitamin D intake

  • Know your family history and get screened sooner if you are at higher risk

  • Starting at age 50, make colorectal cancer screening a part of your routine health check-up!

 

Ask your family doctor for a referral to Thornhill Endoscopy Centre for a colonoscopy and get screened today!

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Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors:

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Most common risk factors of colorectal cancer:

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  • People with family history of colorectal cancer or polyps

  • People with previous history of colorectal cancer or polyps

  • People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis)

  • People with family history of inherited breast or ovarian cancer

  • EVERY person age 50 or older

 

Note: If you are at higher risk you should get screened before age 50. Ask your family doctor for a referral to Thornhill Endoscopy Centre for a colonoscopy and get screened today!
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Colorectal Cancer Signs & Symptoms:

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Most common signs of colorectal cancer:

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  • Blood in your stool (colour can vary from bright red, dark, to black)

  • Changes in your normal bowel habits (such as constipation, diarrhea, or both)

  • Your stools are narrower than usual

  • More frequent need or less frequent need to move your bowels

  • Feeling that your bowel does not completely empty

  • Stomach discomfort (including bloating, fullness, cramps, or gas pains)

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Constantly feeling tired

  • Reduced appetite

  • Anemia (lower red blood cell count and/or lower iron levels)

 

Note: Many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer never had any symptoms or early warning signs.  If you experience any of the above or you are age 50 or over, ask your family doctor for a referral to Thornhill Endoscopy Centre for a Colonoscopy and get screened today!

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