~ Detect It!.... Prevent It!.... Treat It!.... Beat It! ~
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, is cancer of the large intestine or rectum (end of the colon). Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In addition, it is the third most common kind of cancer; it strikes an equal number of women and men. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, more than 52,000 Americans will die of colorectal cancer in 2007. An estimate of 153,760 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year, yet it is also one of the most preventable cancers through detection and removal of polyps (abnormal growth extending from a mucous membrane, as of the intestine) before they can become cancerous. Nearly all colon cancers begin as polyps, which slowly and silently develop into cancer. Early detection is imperative, as colon cancer is a silent cancer rarely exhibiting any symptoms until it has already progressed.
Known risk factors for colon cancer:
• Family or personal history of colorectal cancer (30% of cases).
• Personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• Personal or family history of benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps.
• History of cancer elsewhere in the body.
• An inherited genetic susceptibility (10% of cases).
• Age - over 50 years old (90% of cases are older than 50 yrs of age).
• Those who smoke, use alcohol in excess, are overweight, are sedentary (don’t exercise), eat mainly high-fat, low-fiber foods from animal sources, such as “red” and processed meat.
Although colon cancer generally develops without any signs or symptoms, anyone with rectal bleeding, blood in or on the stool, unexplained weight loss, stools narrower than usual, diarrhea or constipation that persists, constant tiredness, change in bowel habits should seek immediate medical attention.
Some risk factors are uncontrollable, such as age and family history; many factors can be controlled to reduce the risk and help prevent colon cancer. Try these simple life style changes:
• Regular exercise. 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days/week is recommended by American Cancer Society.
• Follow a healthy diet plan. Limit intake of high-fat foods especially from animal sources, eat five servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Studies suggest a high fiber diet, daily
multivitamin containing folic acid or folate plus adequate calcium intake and Vitamin D. Many fruits and vegetables contain substances that interfere with the process of cancer formation.
• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
• Most importantly: Regular screening to detect and remove polyps.
There are several options of screenings and ways to detect colorectal cancer. We recommend that you consult your physician with what steps to prevention are best for you. With proper screening, colon cancer can be detected even before the development of symptoms. For more information contact our Health Education Department at (509)376-3939.
