March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) is on a mission to raise awareness.
In Ontario, about 8,900 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2014.
CCO is encouraging all Ontarians to make the first move and reduce their risk of developing cancer by making healthier lifestyle choices. The chances of developing colorectal cancer can be influenced by poor diet, lack of physical exercise and obesity.
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A report from CCO shows that the number of obese Ontarians is increasing and that a large proportion of people are not eating enough fruits and vegetables or getting enough exercise.
“By making healthier choices and being screened regularly, men and women can lower their risk,” says Dr. Catherine Dubé, clinical lead of the ColonCancerCheck program with CCO.
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In Ontario, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men and the third most common cause of cancer deaths in women.
Someone with colorectal cancer has a 90% chance of being cured if the cancer is caught early.
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