Colorectal-cancer-awareness

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and early detection can save your life when it comes to colon cancer. Colon cancer almost never begins as cancer, in fact, it usually starts as a benign polyp. However, if that polyp is left undetected and is allowed to grow, it may become colon cancer. If colon cancer is found early enough it may be treated, or even removed. On the other hand, left undetected, colon cancer can spread to the stomach, pancreas and liver, and become one of the deadliest of cancers. That’s why KTBS and GIS are partnering together to help you know the warning signs, and have a colonoscopy at least by age 45. If you have a family history of the disease, 40 is the recommended age. Warning signs include a change in bowel habits, and blood in the stool. GastroIntestinal Specialists encourage you to get screened during the month of March.

Home test kits may not be enough to detect colorectal cancer

Mar 19, 2020

SHREVEPORT, La. - With coronavirus being front page news, it's easy to forget that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Gastrointestinal Specialists of Shreveport answer questions about colon cancer

Mar 11, 2020

SHREVEPORT, La. - Experts from Gastrointestinal Specialists of Shreveport arrived in KTBS 3's studio on Wednesday afternoon for On Your Side, On Call.

Increase in Americans under 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer: Study

ABC News
Mar 4, 2020

The number of Americans under the age of 50 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is increasing at an alarming rate, according to a study.

Here are your risk factors of colorectal cancer

Mayo Clinic
Mar 4, 2020

The characteristics and lifestyle factors that increase your risk of rectal cancer are the same as those that increase your risk of colon cancer. They include:

Making treatment decisions

American Cancer Society
Mar 4, 2020

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about. If time permits, it is often a…

What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?

CDC
Mar 4, 2020

Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Such polyps can be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops. They may not cause any symptoms, especially early on. Colorectal cancer screening can find precancerous pol…

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

CDC
Mar 4, 2020

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.