Each year, over 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Those with relatives who have been diagnosed are twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer themselves, and a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon polyps also increases the risk. However, a simple colonoscopy can make all the difference, and if caught early, there is a 90 percent chance of recovery.
Help PPMC spread awareness all month long, starting with National Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 2. Be sure to take a photo of you or your team decked out in blue, post it to Facebook or Twitter, and tag @PennCancer! Looking for colorectal cancer awareness stickers for your staff? Reach out to Marketing coordinator Phil Stoltzfus at Phillip.Stoltzfus@uphs.upenn.edu or 215.614.0025.
Most importantly, be sure to encourage your friends, family members, and colleagues – especially if they’re over 50! – to understand their risk, learn about the symptoms, adopt healthier lifestyle choices, and schedule a screening today at PennMedicine.com/Prevention.