March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, approximately one third of people who should be screened for colorectal cancer have never been screened. There are many ways to detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stages before it spreads to other parts of the body. Spend some time this month learning more about colorectal cancer and whether you should look into screening options.
Are you a sewist looking for ways to spread cancer awareness? Check out our FREE Cancer Awareness Course full of patterns and videos to inspire your next project.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
The large intestine is made up of the colon and the rectum. The colon takes up most of the large intestine, averaging about 5 feet long. The rectum on the other hand is only the last 6 inches of the large intestine.
Cancer in the large intestine typically forms as polyps. Polyps grow on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Many people develop polyps as they age and these polyps are usually benign.
The most common form of polyps are hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps.
They are generally not precancerous, but if they exceed 1 cm in size, hyperplastic polyps may require further screenings. Adenomatous polyps, sessile serrated polyps, and traditional serrated adenomas have a higher risk of developing into cancer.
In general, polyps are more likely to be cancerous when they exceed 1 cm, if there are more than 3 polyps found, and/or if abnormal cells are seen in the polyp (cancer.gov).
When cancer forms in one of these polyps, it develops in the innermost layer of the colon or rectal wall.
Colorectal cancer can then grow through the other layers and potentially into the blood vessels or lymph vessels.
If cancer cells make it into these vessels, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. For screening purposes, a person is at average risk if they do NOT have:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
There are two main types of screenings for colorectal cancer: stool-based tests and visual exams of the colon and rectum.
"The best test is a test that gets done" - National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT)
Getting screened properly is essential to preventing colorectal cancer. "In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined." (cancer.gov).
Month:
March
Risk Factors:
Cholecystectomy,
history of inflammatory bowel disease,
heavy alcohol use
30% of Colorectal Cancer diagnoses are in people under the age of 55
Color:
Dark blue
The death rate of colorectal cancer has dropped over the last several decades. As more people follow screening procedures, polyps are caught earlier, before they become cancerous. A polyp can take over a decade to develop cancer, and, with screenings, doctors can remove polyps before they even begin to turn into cancer.
Unfortunately, despite how lifesaving these screenings can be, about 1 in 3 people in the United States over the age of 45 have never been screened. Some reasons for this include cost and health insurance coverage issues.
It is a federal law in the United States that both private insurers and Medicare must cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests.
"The law stipulates that there should be no out-of-pocket costs for patients, such as co-pays or deductibles, for these screening tests." (cancer.gov)
The term "screening" test can be confusing and different depending your insurance provider.
To learn more about what is federally considered a "screening" test, visit the American Cancer Society's Insurance Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening Page.
Both Australia and the United Kingdom offer free testing kits to citizens within a certain age range. These kits are repeatedly sent out every two years while citizens are within the age range. And older citizens may call to continue to receive these kits after they are no longer within the recommended screening age range.
How to Support?
There are countless ways to help support colorectal cancer patients. The easiest way is to keep the conversation going. Spread awareness by wearing dark blue ribbons this month, post on social media, and tell others how they can support this cause. Consider making your next sewing project with dark blue fabrics or making an ostomy bag cover for anyone you know who is undergoing treatment.
If you have the means, donate to trusted organizations that focus on medical research and patient care like the American Cancer Society. (Donate here to have ByAnnie match your donation.) If someone you know is being affected by one of these cancers, consider helping out with daily tasks like meals, childcare, groceries, or rides to appointments.
While cancer is scary, if we stand together as a community to support those fighting battles against cancer, whether it be as a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, we can make the battle a little easier for everyone.
Want to make a project to support colorectal cancer awareness? Use the chart below to find blue solids from your favorite fabric companies.
Find solids for the whole year here.
Disclaimer
Any and all content produced and displayed by ByAnnie.com is for educational and informative purposes only; it should not and does not replace a diagnosis by a medical professional. Statements made by ByAnnie.com are not medical advice. If any questions arise, contact your doctor or other qualified professional. Unless stated otherwise, the opinions and statements made are not by medical professionals. Reliance and usage of ANY information from ByAnnie.com is done solely at your own risk. None of the staff members of ByAnnie are, or claim to be, medical professionals. We urge you to consult with a medical professional to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Stay healthy, stay safe, and happy stitching!
Resources
American Cancer Society's Colorectal Cancer Page —
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about.html
Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program —
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program
Cancer Research UK's Bowel Cancer Screening Page —
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable —
https://nccrt.org/
#SewPINK: Colorectal Cancer