March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and one of the focuses is on knowing the symptoms of the disease.
Margo Starr, Surgery Manager and Ambulatory Care Coordinator for Dallas County Hospital, says there are several things to watch out for that could point to colorectal cancer. “One of the most important things is if you see blood in your stool after going to the bathroom, change in bowel habits, such as unexplained diarrhea, or constipation that lasts several weeks. Or anything unexplained, such as abdominal pain or pressure that persists. Get ahold of your family physician, that’s a lot of times signs and symptoms that you need to have a colonoscopy.”
Starr adds, colorectal cancer is something that can be prevented through various lifestyle changes. She says people are at a higher risk for colon polyps if they smoke, drink alcohol, have a sedentary lifestyle, or have a diet high in fat, as well as those with a family history.
To learn more about National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, click the link below to listen to the Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Starr.