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<p>Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Colorectal cancer cannot be totally prevented, but there are ways to lower your risk and that’s with regular screening.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society encourage patients to start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. Dr. John Kisiel, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, also says patients should begin screening at 45. He recommends checking with your health care provider about your risks, and with your insurance provider about your coverage.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Men are more likely than women to get colorectal cancer, and rates of colorectal cancer are higher in Black Americans, American Indians and Alaskan Native adults.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>"African Americans are often diagnosed with either more advanced disease or may have more aggressive disease when they are diagnosed, and that's matched stage for stage," says Dr. Kisiel.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>He says research shows that Black patients often face discrimination in accessing screening services or optimal cancer treatment.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Colorectal cancer risk factors also include family history, inherited syndromes, diabetes, smoking, diet and age.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>"It is a condition that is most commonly diagnosed around age 67, but the risk continues to advance with age," says Dr. Kisiel.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>He advocates for regular screening and says if the disease is diagnosed early, it is highly treatable. If it's diagnosed later, it's less likely curable.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>"Colon cancer has been called the most fatal, yet most preventable, disease."&nbsp;</p>
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<p>— Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network </p>
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<p></p>
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<p>Exclusive content from CARE magazine</p>
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