Diet, Screening and Cancer Prevention

You’ve stopped smoking and are watching your alcohol intake. You are eating right and exercising. Congratulations, there is mounting evidence your lifestyle will not only make you healthier but might also help you prevent cancer. But if you are between the ages of 50 to 75, there is something more that you can do; get a colorectal cancer screening.

This month is National Nutrition Month. It is also Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. We all know the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, but the statistics show that almost half of Americans do not get screened regularly for colorectal cancer and this type of cancer is second only to lung cancer in deaths caused by cancer.

“Screening for colorectal cancer can save lives. This screening can detect polyps and have them removed before cancer ever starts,” said Dr. Jorge Perez, Carson City Oncologist/Hematologist adding, “But screening can’t help you if you don’t do it.”

The rate of colorectal cancer screening is far below the screening rates for cervical and breast cancers. National awareness campaigns, such as colorectal cancer awareness month are aimed at increasing knowledge about this type of cancer and the need for screening.

“We can both prevent colon cancer from starting and even catch it early, when it’s most treatable,” said Dr. Perez.

For more information on cancer and cancer treatments, visit Sierra Nevada Cancer Center at http://www.sierranevadacancercenter.com/Default.aspx

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