Cancer: Colon Cancer
In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it seems fitting to clear up some common myths about colorectal cancer as reported by the American Cancer Society. Myth one: Colorectal cancer is a man’s disease. Wrong. Just as many women as men are diagnosed. Myth two: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented. Wrong again. In many cases, it begins with a polyp, which can be detected in certain tests. Myth three: Colorectal cancer is deadly anyway, so there’s no need for testing. Again, that’s not the case. Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it’s found and treated early, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. But because many people are not getting tested, only about four out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful. Take time this March to be screened for colorectal cancer. For more information or to find a physician, call St. John’s Referral One at 625.2000 or visit stj.com.
When it matters most, think St. John’s.
