Often the persistent symptoms we push aside or ignore can be a sign or precursor to colorectal cancer.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) - an initiative that is held every year across the world and specifically observed by South Africa during March and April.
According to the Cancer Association, colorectal cancer affects both sexes and all ethnic groups and the illness is on the increase.
Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but the risk is much higher if:
You eat high-fat foods low in fibre
- You eat more than 70g burnt red meat or braai meat weekly
- You often have intestinal inflammation
- You don't exercise often
- You are older than 50 and have a family history of colorectal cancer
- You smoke
- You are overweight
Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, cramps or bloating, pain in the abdomen or rectum, unexplained weight loss and the feeling of not having emptied one's bowels properly.
Screening tests in March and April
Cansa, in collaboration with Pathcare and Ampath, is offering the public the opportunity to have a screening test done during March and April at a reduced fee of R80. Especially persons over 50 years of age and persons who have any of the warning signs are encouraged to make use of this opportunity.
For more information, contact Helen Thomas on 044 874 4824.
Visit Cansa's website at www.cansa.org.za for more information.
BCA
Be Cancer Aware (BCA), a cancer information hub aiming to increase awareness around various forms of cancer, is hosting their annual 'Ignoring a gut feeling' campaign during March and April.
Visit their website at www.becanceraware.co.za for more information.
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