Prevent Colon Cancer This March, a Month Dedicated to Colorectal Disease Awareness

According to the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of intestinal and rectal diseases, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

Dr. Hernan Hernandez, a colon and rectal surgeon with Methodist Physicians Clinic, explains that colon cancer begins with polyps, a type of enlarged tissue or benign tumor. He warns that of the colonoscopies he performs, 25-50% of people will have polyps in their intestines, which, if not diagnosed early, will develop into cancer.

"The American Cancer Society says there are going to be more than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer in the country this year, and almost a thousand of those cases are going to be here in Nebraska," he said.

Even if you don't experience symptoms, Dr. Hernandez recommends that preventive exams begin at age 45. If you are under 45 years of age but experience abdominal pain, blood in your stool, weight loss or anemia, and especially if you have a family history of cancer, Dr. Hernandez recommends requesting a colonoscopy from your primary care provider. 

Telemundo Nebraska: Prevent Colon Cancer This March, Which Is Dedicated to Colorectal Disease Awareness