February 26, 2019 backyardstudios

What does the dark blue ribbon represent?

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness month which is represented by the dark blue ribbon. We can use this month to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and take action toward prevention. Wearing a dark blue ribbon is a great way to spread the word and help us support the surviors and remember those lost to colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable, and timely colonoscopies are the only way to achieve that goal. Don’t wait for symptoms! If you’re age 45+ (or younger, if you’re at higher risk of colorectal cancer), then it’s time to have a colonoscopy.

Here are some risk factors that may warrant a colonoscopy before age 45:

• A family or personal history of colon polyps or cancer
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Certain genetic conditions such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Belonging to certain ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews)

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 45 and older.

Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) was established in 1978 and has grown into one of the largest private GI practices in Texas. We have 23 board-certified gastroenterologists on staff, and every single one is dedicated to providing you comprehensive, compassionate and individualized digestive and liver care.