Health awareness months focus national attention on specific health issues, promoting public education and increased screening. Campaigns organized by medical foundations and government bodies aim to encourage early detection, lifestyle modifications, and research funding. March hosts several major campaigns covering preventative and chronic health concerns. These observances empower individuals with the knowledge needed to take proactive control over their well-being.
The Primary Campaign: Colorectal Cancer Awareness
March is dedicated to raising awareness for colorectal cancer (cancers of the colon and rectum). This focus is important because the disease is highly treatable when detected early, yet it remains the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Early detection significantly increases the five-year survival rate to approximately 90%, underscoring the value of routine screening.
Current guidelines advise that average-risk individuals begin regular screening at age 45, a change from the previous recommendation of age 50. Screening options include visual examinations and stool-based tests, allowing for a personalized approach based on patient preference and overall health. A colonoscopy, a visual exam of the entire colon, is often performed every ten years and allows a physician to remove precancerous growths called polyps during the procedure.
For those who prefer less invasive methods, stool-based tests, such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or the FIT-DNA test, can be done at home. The FIT test checks for hidden blood in the stool, and the FIT-DNA test looks for altered DNA that may indicate polyps or cancer. A positive result from any stool-based test must be followed up with a diagnostic colonoscopy to confirm the finding and remove any discovered lesions.
While many early-stage cases show no symptoms, certain signs should prompt a conversation with a healthcare provider regardless of age. These symptoms include persistent changes in bowel habits (such as new-onset diarrhea or constipation), unexplained rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain that does not resolve. Risk factors necessitating earlier or more frequent screening include a family history of the disease, a personal history of certain polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.
Focusing on Proactive Health: National Nutrition Month
March also recognizes National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This observance champions making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The core message is that while chronic diseases can be managed, a proactive approach to diet substantially reduces the risk of developing them.
The campaign often encourages people to “Personalize Your Plate,” recognizing that there is no single, one-size-fits-all approach to achieving optimal nutrition. Eating a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is foundational to meeting the body’s nutrient needs. A focus is placed on reducing the consumption of processed foods, excessive salt, and added sugars, which contribute to numerous health problems.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) provide science-based, individualized nutrition counseling. They help navigate complex dietary information and translate it into practical, sustainable eating plans. Simple steps include increasing fiber intake through foods like whole-grain breads and oatmeal, and choosing cooking methods like baking or grilling over frying.
Mindfulness regarding food choices is another theme, encouraging attention to how food looks, feels, and smells, and eating slowly to register satisfaction. This practice fosters a positive relationship with food, moving away from a restrictive mindset. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods helps individuals improve their energy levels and overall physical performance.
Addressing Chronic Organ Function: National Kidney Month
National Kidney Month draws attention to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the importance of renal health. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones. Because CKD often presents with few or no obvious symptoms in its early stages, it is frequently referred to as a “silent disease.”
This lack of early warning signs makes awareness and screening particularly important for those in high-risk categories. The two main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which account for the majority of new cases. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, a family history of kidney failure, or those over age 60 also face an elevated risk.
Screening for kidney problems is straightforward and involves two simple laboratory tests that can be requested from a primary care physician. A blood test measures creatinine levels to calculate the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), assessing how well the kidneys filter waste. A urine test checks for the presence of albumin, a protein that indicates early kidney damage if found in high amounts.
Prevention centers on managing the underlying conditions that damage the kidneys over time. Controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and maintaining healthy blood pressure are the most effective preventative actions. Adopting a kidney-friendly diet that limits sodium and focuses on whole foods, along with avoiding the overuse of certain over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs, helps preserve renal function.