For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: March 1, 2006

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

RALEIGH— In North Carolina, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and illness in both men and women. Disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality persist nationally and in North Carolina. The highest mortality and incidence rates are found in African-Americans in the eastern part of the state and in several isolated counties in the state’s mid-section.

According to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, there were approximately 4,475 new cases of colorectal cancer in the state in 2005 and 1,695 deaths from the disease. Colon and rectal cancer are preventable. Finding and removing polyps can prevent up to 90 percent of colorectal cancers.

“The most common symptom of early colorectal cancer is no symptom—that is why routine screening is so important," said State Health Director Leah Devlin. “Although colorectal cancer is the third leading cancer in North Carolina, it does not need to be. Prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer usually results in long-term survival, so the more we raise awareness, the better the chances the cancer will be found early, and the better the chances for survival.”

“In the absence of symptoms or risk factors, screening should start no later than age 50 and continue routinely—once is not enough. Men and women must make routine colorectal cancer screening a part of their regular healthcare. Talk with your doctor about setting up that routine,” said Walter Shepherd, director of the Comprehensive Cancer Program, N.C. Division of Public Health. The CCP works to reduce cancer in North Carolinians by raising awareness of cancer screening, early detection and prevention.

The U.S. Senate has declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This national recognition of colorectal cancer provides a platform for health educators, advocacy groups, the media, public officials, physicians and patients to focus their efforts collectively in the battle against colorectal cancer.

For more information about colorectal cancer, contact one of the following toll free numbers:

• 1-877-422-2030 Colon Cancer Alliance
• 1-800-ACS-2345 American Cancer Society
• 1-800-422-6237 National Cancer Institute (Cancer Information Service)
  

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