DOH Leon Recognizes National Colon Cancer Awareness Month 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2022

DOH Leon Recognizes National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Tallahassee, Fla. – March is observed across the nation as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) recognizes the many survivors, patients, caregivers and others whose lives have been affected by colorectal cancer and is focused on generating awareness of the importance of getting screened.

“Colorectal cancer is an equal-opportunity disease affecting all races, ethnicities, and both genders”, said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, DOH Leon Interim Health Officer. “I encourage everyone to talk to family and friends about getting screened.”

Colorectal cancer (also referred to as colon cancer) almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum and is almost always preventable through screening tests. These screening tests can find the polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States and in Florida when men and women are combined. In 2019, the latest year for which incidence data are available, 10,707 new cases (36 per 100,000 people) were reported to the Florida Cancer Data Registry for colon and rectum cancer. Within the same year, the number of mortalities due to colon and rectum cancer was 3,779 (12.1 per 100,000 people).

As with so many diseases, the best defense against colorectal cancer is early detection. Symptoms can include blood in the stool; stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away; and weight loss without a known cause. But many cases have no symptoms, especially early in the disease, when colorectal cancer is most curable.

That is why it is so crucial, especially for people over the age of 50 or otherwise at increased risk, to receive regular screenings. And although the disease is relatively rare in younger adults, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been rising among this group. No matter your age, everyone should take possible colorectal cancer symptoms seriously and bring them to the attention of your health care provider.

You will find excellent informational resources on colorectal cancer and screening tests by visiting the Florida Department of Health website.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Follow the Florida Department of Health in Leon County on Twitter at@healthyleonfl

 Written by Pamela Saulsby | Public Information Officer