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Have you made and attended your colorectal cancer screening appointment this year? Now is the time to get into the doctor's office. The U.S. Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer has updated their recommendations. The Task Force suggests that the average risk person begin screening for colorectal cancer at the ages of 45 to 49.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Since the 1980s, the rate of diagnosis overall for colorectal cancer has decreased. However, for African Americans/Blacks, they continue to disproportionately have a higher cancer diagnosis and death rate than White individuals. In comparison, colorectal cancer rates are 21% higher in Black men and 18% higher in Black women. Sadly, the mortality rates are even more alarming, 44% higher in Black Men and 31% higher in Black women.

We know, there is no secret that health disparities in the Black community are the direct results of deeply rooted racism and institutional inequalities in America. Did you know that in the US only 5 percent of all doctors are Black/African American? The Telegram News spoke with Dr. Jannel Khuthala Lee-Allen, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellow at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center about Colorectal Cancer. As a doctor, she realizes that Black and Brown communities are marginalized when it comes to the care that is available and given to them. She says, "Health Equity is very important and it is defined as setting the stage to achieve optimal health outcomes for all." Colon cancer is one cancer that when caught early, does not have to be an automatic death sentence. Dr. Jannel Khuthala Lee-Allen, gives solid advice and educates us on ways that we can better care for ourselves.

Clifton: What is colorectal cancer?

Dr. Jannel Khuthala Lee-Allen: We must first begin by understanding what the colon is! The colon is the large bowel, from the mouth to the anus is the GI tract. Everybody has one, it the area of the body that concentrates your stool and then you pass what you've eaten through the rectum. Colorectal cancer is, the abnormal tissues that are growing, either fast or slow and it is not supposed to be there.

Clifton: What are some symptoms that patients should watch out for that should cause them to schedule a doctor's visit?

Dr. Jannel Khuthala Lee-Allen:

- Abdominal Pain

- Blood in your stool, bright red blood or dark maroon, stool is black and tarry

- Weight loss and you don't know why

Clifton: Are there links between diet and colorectal cancer?

Dr. Jannel Khuthala Lee-Allen: Having a balanced diet is important. Decreasing the foods that cause an increase in inflammation, eating less processed foods and more cooked foods can lower the risk.

Clifton: What are the benefits of a colonoscopy or other test for colon cancer?

Dr. Jannel Khuthala Lee-Allen: You can predict 75% of colon cancer with colonoscopy. If you are average risk, no family history or symptoms, at the age of 45 you can begin routine colorectal cancer screenings. That includes options like colonoscopy, FIT test, or STOOL Test. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers by 70% through screening. We can prevent premature death by finding the cancer in the early stages.

The American Cancer Society says, that research shows that diet, weight and exercise are strongly linked to your colorectal cancer risk. It's not always easy to change your habits but, some changes can be lifesaving. About 1 in 25 people living in the US will develop colon or rectal cancer at some point during their life. It's also recommended that you avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.org and remember to call your doctor and schedule your colorectal screening today.