A reminder from UH Occupational Health Services: March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month. CRC is a disease of the digestive system and is caused by abnormal growths (polyps) that form in the colon or rectum. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death of men and women in the U.S. Unlike most cancers, CRC may be prevented with routine screening and is highly treatable with early detection.  

CRC may present without symptoms. If you are 45 or older, then the time to talk to your physician about CRC screening is NOW. While routine screening is an important step you can take to prevent CRC, a healthy diet, moderate exercise, limited alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco are also effective ways to reduce the risk.  

To learn more about the risk factors, symptoms of CRC, please visit the CDC.