New Campaign Urges People to Get Screened for Colon Cancer - East Idaho News

New Campaign Urges People to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

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Thinkstock H 041411 PatientDrForm?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1361983906246Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a new campaign is urging people to get tested for this fatal, but preventable disease.

The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health in New York City‘s “Make That Call” Campaign stresses the importance that people 50 and older get screened. The screening is simple, painless and can be life-saving, as early detection is crucial to surviving colorectal cancer.

Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.  In 2013, 143,000 people will be diagnosed and 50,000 will not survive the disease. The statistics are startling, especially considering that the disease is preventable. The key is early detection through proper screening.

Director of the Jay Monahan Center, Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman stresses that everyone over the age of 50 should get screened, but that younger people are still at risk and should be mindful of the symptoms. If you are experiencing bloating, unexpected weight gain, change in bowel habits, or blood in your stool, it is time to make an appointment.

The Jay Monahan Center was co-founded by ABC’s Katie Couric, and named after her late husband who passed away after a battle with colon cancer in 1998. The clinic focuses on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support for people suffering from gastrointestinal cancers.

For more information, visit www.makethatcall.org.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

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