March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we encourage everyone to become more aware of the things that affect your colorectal health.

Colorectal cancer typically affects older adults, although it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally are not cancerous, but some can turn into colorectal cancers over time. Unfortunately, it is currently the second most common cancer-related cause of death in the United States. For many reasons African American Men and Women, American Indians, Alaska Natives and Ashkenazi Jews have significantly high rates of colorectal cancer.

The good news is that colorectal cancer is easily detected, treated and cured, if necessary. Screening is the process of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools for preventing colorectal cancer.

Here are eight things you can to do prevent colorectal cancer and keep your colorectal health in check this March and all year round:

  1. Get tested: The best way to keep your colorectal health in check is to get a colorectal cancer screening, even if you feel fine. The most effective way to fight colorectal cancer is to catch polyps or cancer before you even have symptoms. Most people should begin getting colorectal screenings when they turn 45. There are many options for getting a colorectal cancer screening and you should talk with your health care provider about which one might be a good option for you.  No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get tested.
  2. Exercise: Regular physical activity will help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. We recommend leading an active lifestyle and trying to get up and get outside all days of the week. Ideally, you should get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. If you have been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Physical activity is not just about going to the gym or specific exercises. It is also about keeping an active lifestyle by choosing the stairs, vacuuming, sweeping, gardening, and parking farther away from the entrance of the store, to name a few.
  3. Choose healthy meals and snacks: Be sure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit as well as choose whole grains as they have vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. A diet with limited amounts of red meats, processed meats and other food items may also help lower our risk. NorthPoint’s Food Shelf is a resource that provides healthy, culturally appropriate, supplemental food to individuals and families in the community.
  4. Quit or reduce smoking: Cigarette smoking increases your risk for colorectal cancer as well as many other cancers and health problems. If you don’t smoke, do not start. If you do smoke, quitting may lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. NorthPoint can help you if you want to reduce or quit smoking.
  5. Avoid too much alcohol: Drinking alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol. If you do drink, quitting may lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you do continue drinking, try to limit yourself to 2 drinks per day (for men) and 1 drink per day (for women).
  6. Pay attention to your body: The way your stool (poop) looks, and your habits around pooping, can give you a lot of information about your colorectal health. If you suddenly have new symptoms, like more frequent constipation or diarrhea, or if you notice that your stool has irregular colors or you don’t seem to feel empty after a bowel movement, please tell your health care provider.
  7. Find out about family health history: If someone in your immediate family (parent, brother, or sister) has had colorectal cancer or a colon polyp, you may be at greater risk for getting the disease. Ask your family about their history of colon cancer and polyps. If you can’t ask your parents, ask aunts, uncles, and extended family members what they may know. This information can help you and your health care provider make good decisions about your colorectal health.
  8. Talk to a health care provider about your colorectal health: Health care providers can help you decide what is best for your colorectal health. If you don’t have a primary health care provider, the first step is finding a provider you can trust. NorthPoint is a one-stop place to receive services, and we help individuals and families in all financial situations. Once you have found a provider, ask them questions about your colorectal health, what your risk is, and what can be done to help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center can help you keep your colorectal and general health in check with a full team of health care providers and staff working together to your benefit. For more information, call 612-543-2500 or visit northpointhealth.org.

Dr. Kevin L. Gilliam is Medical Director at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center. He is a primary care physician and leads the Hypertension Management Team. He enjoys biking and being outdoors.

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