by Brusly Guerrier
Whittier Street Health Center is proud to participate in the awareness campaign on Colorectal Cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer and cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
CRC disproportionately affects minorities: While mortality rates in the U.S. have decreased over the past 10 years, research has revealed this decline to be slower among African Americans, who continue to show higher death rates and shorter survival periods. Among Latinos, CRC screening has been reported to be lower than among other ethnic groups, a fact that increases the risk of undiagnosed and untreated CRC.
Early detection is critical to effective treatment and increases chances of survival. If you are aged 50 or older, it is now time to begin getting screened for CRC. If you are Black/African-American, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends that you begin screening at age 45. Talk to your doctor and discuss your family’s medical history, even if you are not old enough for screening.
While regular screening for CRC is the best practice, there are also lifestyle changes you can make to help make your colon healthier, including:
- Drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day, unless your doctor says otherwise
- Making fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods a routine part of your diet
- Cutting back on red meat and alcohol
- Avoiding processed foods
- Getting more physical activity – 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day is enough
For more information, visit www.wshc.org, call us at 617-427-1000, or simply walk in and ask to talk to a Care Coordinator.
Whittier Street Health Whittier Street Health Center
Center @ Quincy Commons
1290 Tremont St. 278 Blue Hill Ave
Roxbury, MA 02120 Roxbury, MA 02119
T: 617-427-1000 T: 617-858-2550