LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — April is dedicated to raising awareness for colorectal cancer treatment and prevention.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths for both men and women, marked by uncontrollable cell growth in the colon or rectum.

Studies indicate a rising trend in the number of young people being diagnosed. Registered dietitian Bianca Coats suggest getting enough vitamins and eating balanced meals can help prevent the condition.

“So right now it is trickling down for seniors, but it is affecting millennials for some reason.

Polyps in the colon or rectum can become cancerous if not treated. Colon and rectum surgeon Dr. Matthews Boudreaux stresses the importance of getting colonoscopies.

“There are other test but they don’t test you for polyps, they test you for cancer cells. You need to prevent it by doing a colonoscopy and catching it in the polyp stage to remove it,” said Boudreaux.

Those without a family history should consider screening at age 45.

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“It used to be fifty but it just changed in the last few years. The incidents of colon cancer in younger people is becoming more prevalent,” said Boudreaux.

Boudreaux and Coats suggest weight loss, no smoking, drinking less alcohol and eating less red meat can help decrease the risks of being diagnosed as well.

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