Letter to the Editor: March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Dear Editor,

As an oncologist, I have seen the effects of colorectal cancer on many patients. It is a cancer that often goes unnoticed for years, until it is at a stage where it is deadly. We urge and encourage everyone to get a colorectal screening. Doing so and following up regularly could help save lives.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and with only a few days remaining, it is the perfect time to spread the word.

I am very passionate about treating and supporting those who have been affected by colorectal cancer. As a physician, it’s difficult to see people losing their lives from colorectal cancer simply because they were too afraid to get a screening.  Awareness is a lifesaving tool. The time is now, and people need to act before it is too late.

Dr. Koval is a member of the American Medical Association, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology, Hillsborough County Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Radiological Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Koval’s affiliations include St. Joseph's Hospital, Town & Country Hospital, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, University Community Hospital – Fletcher, University Community Hospital - Carrollwood, and Tampa Outpatient Surgical Facility.

Here are some risk factors of colorectal cancer:

• People age 50 and older
• People who smoke
• People who are overweight or obese
• People who aren’t physically active
• People who drink alcohol in excess, especially men
• People who eat a lot of red meat (such as beef, pork or lamb) or processed meat (such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs or cold cuts)
• People with personal or family histories of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps
• People with personal histories of inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• People with family histories of inherited colorectal cancer or inherited colorectal problems

Colorectal cancer symptoms:

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in or on the stool
• Change in bowel habits
• Stools that are more narrow than usual
• General problems in the abdomen, such as bloating, fullness or cramps
• Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling in the rectum that the bowel movement isn’t quite complete
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Being tired all the time
• Vomiting