Calvert County Health Department

Keep Your Colon Rollin’!

It's been a great 10 years! Thanks to all the past participants, businesses and organizations who attended and contributed to the Keep Your Colon Rollin' 5Ks.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and Maryland. People who have colon cancer may not have symptoms, or if so, may have blood in their stool, pain in the abdomen, change in their bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or iron deficiency anemia not caused by other conditions.

Screening is important because treatment is most effective when detected early. If you are age 50 or older, have relatives who have had colorectal cancer, had ovarian or endometrial cancer before age 50, had radiation treatment in the pelvic area or diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease then you may be at risk for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about getting screened and lower your risk by avoiding all forms of tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days a week and eating a high fiber diet.