In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths that affects both men and women. (“Cancer Prevention and Control.”). According to Cancer Statistics, in 2016, 17.5 million people reported having cancer and of those reported cases, 1,317,247 people reported having colorectal cancer in the United States. Colorectal cancer begins with the growth of a polyp which is a small clump of cells that form along the lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps can become cancer over time but to identify cancerous polyps, a colonoscopy is needed. “The cornerstones of colorectal cancer prevention are screening and detection of adenomatous polyps.” (Chan). Very few people are aware of the risks of developing colorectal cancer …show more content…
Although all cancers are very important because they can be fatal, colorectal cancer affects more men and women combined than any other cancer. The public participates in walks to end breast cancer every year but breast cancer only affects women more than it affects men. In this year, approximately 252,710 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States and approximately 40,610 people will die of breast cancer. The mortality rate for men diagnosed with breast cancer is significantly lower than the mortality rate for men with colorectal cancer. Of the 40,610 people that will die from breast cancer, 460 of them will consist of men. (Breast Cancer: Statistics). If one was to compare the number of deaths from breast cancer to colorectal cancer, which affects both men and women, one would see that the mortality rate is much higher for colorectal cancer. It is important for the public to realize how much certain cancers have more public awareness than others. Breast cancer mortality has declined by 38% due to the public awareness raised by Susan G. Komen, who fundraises millions of dollars for breast cancer patients through her donation website and walks. (“Learn the Facts and Stats on Breast Cancer.”). If colorectal cancer had the same amount of public awareness as breast cancer than more of the public would be aware of the many ways to lower their …show more content…
Chan, Andrew T., and Edward L. Giovannucci. “Primary Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.”
Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2947820/.
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