ETPS is helping spread the word! Earlier this month, ETPS staff wore blue in support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness month which occurs each March. We want to be advocates helping educate our residents, homes, family, friends and loved ones about this terrible disease.
Did you know?
Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Approximately 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors and symptoms may not be present until years after the cancer begins to develop. Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps, abnormal tissue growths, which are typically detected during routine screenings such as colonoscopies, which are vital in detecting and preventing cancer early. When diagnosed early enough, the five-year survival rate for patients with colorectal cancer is greater than 90%, but when detected later, the five-year survival rate is less than 10%.
Risk Factors
Unfortunately, no one knows what causes colorectal cancer; however, studies have shown certain factors increase your risk of the disease.
- Men and women of all ethnic backgrounds are at risk
- People 50 years of age or older are at greater risk
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer and polyps
- History of chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- A diet with high fat intake can lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called carcinogens
- Smoking, especially over a long period of time
- A sedentary lifestyle
Sources and for more information
National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org
EDP Biotech Corporation, www.edpbiotech.com United Cancer Support Foundation, https://unitedcsf.org/
