Spending the holidays with your loved ones can be stressful, and often, we put aside differences to be together and celebrate the holidays; it is also a great time to discuss your family’s health history. Understanding your history can make you more prepared for your future.
The focus on family history is grounded in science rather than just market research.
People who have an immediate family member who has had colorectal cancer are two to four times more likely to develop it themselves. Around 20,000 people under age 50 are diagnosed with CRC each year, and the disease is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in this age group and the second leading cause for women under 50.
People with family histories of CRC may need to start screening earlier than the general suggested age of 45.
While the American Cancer Society has reported that two-thirds of people 50 and older are up to date on their CRC screening, that number drops to less than half for the youngest group members, aged 50 to 54.
This holiday season, share stories and laugh sharing your Christmas meal; remember, now is the time to know your risk.
