WNKY News 40 Health Reports: Colorectal Cancer Awareness

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – It’s a condition that can slip up on you since not everyone has symptoms…it’s colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly one hundred sixty thousand people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. 

And while the number of new cases is on the decline for people age 65 and older, new cases are on the rise for those younger than 65.

Dr. Michael West, a surgeon at Tristar Greenview Hospital in Bowling Green, says there are specific reasons for the rise in colorectal cancer rates.

He says the high consumption of processed foods has a lot to do with the increase. He also says increased awareness of the disease has caused more people to get screened, which has yielded more diagnoses.

But screening is key when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer or catching it early.

Dr. West says most people should start getting screened with a colonoscopy when they’re 45 years old. But if you have someone in your family who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you need to start getting screened ten years before the age that family member was diagnosed.

And if you’re between screenings and notice blood when you have a bowel movement, if you’re experiencing diarrhea, or if you’re losing weight without trying…

See your doctor since it could be serious.