Wildcat fans, Arizona Athletics is asking you to Stay in the Game! Research indicates that only 5% of cancers are hereditary, which means you have the power to do something about it. Stay in the Game is a cancer awareness initiative encouraging Wildcat fans and Arizona residents to learn more about reducing your risk of cancer. Studies have found that early, as well as regular screening can reduce your risk. In fact, the earlier some cancers are found, the more likely people are to survive those cancers. So starting TODAY reduce your risk: eat well, be active, don't smoke or use tobacco and get screened!
Wildcats! Stay in the Game, talk to your doctor about reducing your risk so you can make sure your cheering for the Wildcats for years to come.
LinkIN! features Colorectal Cancer Awareness during March
Did you know:
• Approximately 150,696 people in the United States were diagnosed with some form of colorectal cancer in 2011.1
• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. 1
• Colorectal cancer rates are dropping in the U.S, primarily because of the screening efforts that allow for early detection and removal of polyps before they become cancerous. 1
• Colon cancer is more common in women, while rectal cancer is more common in men. 1
• When colorectal cancers are detected at an early, localized stage, the 5-year survival is 90%.
• When diagnosed at later stages, the survival rate for colorectal cancer drops significantly. 1
• Colorectal cancer incidence rates among African American men and women are about 17% higher than in white men and women. 2
• Rectal cancer rates are highest among Chinese Americans when compared to other ethnic groups. 2
• Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both Hispanic/Latino men and women. 2
• Colorectal cancer incidence rates for American Indians and Alaska Natives -- both men and women -- are significantly higher than for white people. 2
• Most groups of American Indians are less likely than whites to be diagnosed in the early stages of colorectal cancer. 2
In Arizona:
• Approximately 2,700 men and women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2011. 1
• Approximately 1,010 Arizonans will die of colorectal cancer in 2012. 1
• Arizona has one of the lowest death rates from colorectal cancer in the country.
Risk Factors:
• Age (91% of cases are diagnosed in individuals 50 years of age and older),
• Obesity,
• Lack of physical activity,
• Diet high in red or processed meat,
• Alcohol consumption,
• Long-term smoking, and
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables.
You are considered high-risk for colorectal cancer if you have :
• Family history of colorectal cancer and/or polyps,
• Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease,
• Personal or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, and
• Various inherited genetic conditions
Early stage colorectal cancer does not typically have symptoms; therefore, screening is the best way to detect colorectal cancer in its early and most curable stage.
Warning signs of more advanced colorectal cancer include:
• Rectal bleeding,
• Blood in the stool,
• A change in bowel habits (unusual diarrhea or constipation),
• Cramping pain in the lower abdomen, or
• Excessive fatigue.
To Stay in the Game,
• Request screening beginning at 50 years of age if you have an average risk of developing colorectal cancer followed by screenings every 10 years.
• If you are in the high risk category, request screening before the age of 50 in consultation with your health care provider followed by screenings every 5 years or more frequently as needed.
• Eat a diet that is high in fiber, fruits and vegetables, with moderate servings of red and processed meats and alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight and regular exercise schedule.
Sources: 1. American Cancer Society, Facts and Figures 2012 2. Learn about Cancer, American Cancer Society
