Colorectal Cancer Awareness

This March, don’t assume.

That is the message of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance: “Don’t assume you’re too young for colorectal cancer. Don’t assume you’re alone. And don’t assume we don’t need your support to end this disease within our lifetime.”

The goal is to challenge assumptions and misconceptions about colorectal cancer by dispelling myths, raise awareness and connect people across the country with information and support.

The Environment, Safety and Health Department (ESH) at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab) is participating in National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month by promoting information about colorectal prevention and screenings. On Friday, March 1, the ESH team is also encouraging employees to go “blue” on Dress in Blue Day to heighten the campaign’s visibility.

“Early detection of colorectal cancer is vital,” said Laura Baatz, occupational health nurse at Sanford Lab. “The most important message we can promote is encouraging people to know their risk for this cancer and to get screened accordingly.”

When cancer is detected in its early stages, before it has grown and spread, more treatment options are available. The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone begin regular colorectal cancer  screening at age 45. People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.

People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often and/or get specific tests. This includes people with:

• A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps 
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome 
• A personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

For more information about colorectal cancer causes, symptoms, risk factors and screenings, visit the American Cancer Society and Mayo Clinic webpages.

The Environment, Safety and Health Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily. Contact Laura Baatz at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.