March 1st is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day
March 1st is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day, one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. The campaign takes place throughout the month of March and aims to alert the population about the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and available treatments for the disease that affects the colon and rectum.
Colorectal cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the large intestine (colon) or rectum, and its risk factors include inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle, family history and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis. When detected early, the chances of successful treatment increase considerably, which makes raising awareness about the disease even more important.
During Navy Blue March, several organizations, hospitals and support groups promote educational campaigns, distribute informative materials, hold lectures and events to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. In addition, they encourage preventive exams, such as colonoscopy, especially for people over 50 or with a family history of colorectal cancer.
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