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Colorectal cancer is maddening ! Colorectal cancer is curable 90% of the time if detected early. Because the screening for your colon health makes most people squirm, colorectal cancer continues to be the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Get in the game. Get screened and know your risk factors for colorectal cancer.
You gotta love a woman who is willing to jump on an exam table and show a nation her colon! Katie Couric did just this back in 2002.Since the death of her husband to colon cancer in 1998, Ms. Couric has led a national public awareness campaign for colon health and early detection. Here are the facts:
What is colorectal cancer?
Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer that starts in either of these organs may be called colorectal cancer.
What are the risk factors?
- Age – Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur in people over the age of 50. The average age at diagnosis is 72. More than 90 percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50.
- Polyps — Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are benign but some polyps can become cancer.
- Family history – You are more likely to develop the disease if you have a close family member with the disease.
- Personal history of cancer – A person who has already had colorectal cancer may develop it a second time. Women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus or breast are at a slightly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Personal health history – Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Diet – Western diets high in fat and low in calcium, folate and fiber may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Cigarette smoking – Smokers may be at an increased risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.
What are the methods of screening for colorectal cancer and why do it?
- Colonoscopy
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Colorectal cancer is both preventable and curable. Removing precancerous polyps found in the colon prevents colorectal cancer. Polyp removal can be done in conjunction with a colonoscopy. Physicians recommend that you start getting screened at age 50, and earlier under certain circumstances. Speak to your physician about your risk factors.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy to confirm cancer tissue. Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of the spread of the cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment.
Five of the seven cited risk factors are beyond our control. However, diet and smoking are lifestyle choices that might reduce your risk for developing polyps and helping you maintain a healthy colon. Because polyps and early stages of cancer have no symptoms regular screenings are important to fighting this disease, especially if you are over the age of 50. Remember, colorectal cancer can be prevented but for early detection you must be willing to jump on the table.
