Colorectal Cancer is 2nd Leading Cancer Killer in U.S.

March 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Havana, IL  –  March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Mason District Hospital wants to encourage men and women age 50 and older to talk to their physician to schedule their screening test.  Many do not realize that colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer of adults in the United States, according to recent data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control.

“Colorectal cancer has few, if any, symptoms, and as with any potentially deadly cancer, early detection is key,” explains Harry Wolin, Administrator and CEO of Mason District Hospital, “Simple screenings for detecting colorectal cancer are available at Mason Distract  Hospital and are performed by our own hospital physicians, so patients can do this diagnostic screening close to home and avoid traveling out of town for the procedure.”  

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important. If there are symptoms, they may include blood in or on bowel movements, stomach pain or cramps that don't go away, or unexplained weight loss.

Standard colorectal cancer screening is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50. Screening for colorectal cancer helps with early detection and more successful treatment of this disease. It can locate pre-cancerous polyps for removal before they turn into cancer.  

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Mason District Hospital is a rural critical access hospital serving Mason and southern Fulton Counties since 1957. The hospital includes full service Emergency Room, specialty clinics, high-tech diagnostics, and rehabilitation services.