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Health Tips
Colorectal Cancer
Quick Facts on Colorectal Cancer
CDC
- It's the 2nd leading cancer killer in the United States, after lung cancer.
- Colorectal cancer is most common in men and women aged 50 years and older and the risk increases with age, with 93% of cases diagnosed in people 50 or older.
- Many cases of colorectal cancer could be prevented by having regular screening exams beginning at age 50.
- Screening is the best way to find polyps before they become cancerous. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be most effective.
Frequently Asked Questions:
National Cancer Institute
What is colorectal cancer?
Cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. "Colorectal" refers to the colon and rectum, which together make up the large intestine. Colorectal cancer can originate anywhere in the large intestines. The majority of colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous.
Who gets colorectal cancer?
Here are some facts about colorectal cancer risk:
- Colorectal cancer occurs in men and women of all racial and ethnic groups.
- Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older.
- Colorectal cancer is most common in people aged 50 years and older and the risk increases with age, with 93% of new cases diagnosed in people aged 50 years and older.
- A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Certain diseases of the intestines, including inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), can increase the risk for colorectal cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first. However, if symptoms are present, they may include the following:
- blood in or on the stool
- a change in bowel habits
- stools that are narrower than usual
- general, unexplained stomach discomfort
- frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
- unexplained weight loss
- chronic fatigue
If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Many other health problems can cause these symptoms, too. Only your doctor, through testing, can tell you why you're having these symptoms.
Who is at greater than average risk for colorectal cancer?
People considered at greater than average risk include those who have a close relative who's had colorectal cancer or polyps, as well as those who have a personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Dietary Methods to Help Prevent Colon Cancer
drkoop.com
- Eat plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Include vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
- Cut back on red meat and animal fats.
- Choose cooked dried beans, nuts and soybean products, such as tofu, instead of red meats as sources of protein.
- Avoid overcooking meats and fish, and don't barbecue them.
Increase your fiber intake. Add bran or wheat germ to your breakfast cereal, starting with one tablespoon a day and gradually increasing to three or four tablespoons each day.
Tips for Reducing Your Colorectal Cancer Risk
National Cancer Institute
As with many cancers, your lifestyle can affect your risk for colorectal cancer. Healthy dietary choices, being active and getting screened regularly can help you lower your risk for the disease.
Best bet: Regular screening
The most effective risk reduction tool for colorectal cancer is undergoing routine colorectal screening tests.
Healthy eating can have protective effects
Research suggests that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent colorectal cancer. In addition, whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts and beans may also provide protective effects.
Regular exercise said to help prevent the disease
In addition, some scientific evidence has shown that exercise may help reduce the development of colorectal polyps. Mounting scientific evidence supports the conclusion that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of several cancers - particularly colon cancer - in both men and women.
Smoking causes cancers other than lung
Several recent studies reveal that tobacco use may significantly increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer - in addtion to several other cancers. The bottom line: If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, quit to lower your overall risk.
Know when to say "when"
Excessive use of alcohol may increase your risk for colorectal cancer. Alcohol has been linked to other gastrointestinal cancers as well. It is recommended that if you drink, do so only in moderation. It is expected that 19,000 Americans will die of cancers caused by excessive drinking in 2002.
About Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal Cancer Screening
National Cancer Institute
There are currently five different colorectal cancer-screening tests available. However, the frequency of these types of screening varies depending upon a person's medical history. Therefore, patients should talk to their health care provider about which screening procedure is right for them and how often they should be screened.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
The Basics
A Fecal Occult Blood Test or FOBT is a test to see if there is blood in your bowel move-ments (stool). Sometimes blood is hidden, and you will not see a red color in or on your stool. Many things can cause blood in your stool, including colorectal cancer.
The FOBT can also let your health care provider know that there may be bleeding in your colon (large intestine or large bowel). Bleeding may come from polyps (growths on the lining of your colon). You can perform a FOBT yourself at home with a kit that you can get from your health care provider.
Recommended Testing: Every year
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
The Basics
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test that lets your health care provider examine the lining of the rectum and a part of the colon (large intestine or large bowel). It can be performed in a health care provider's office or in a clinic or hospital. A flexible tube about the thickness of your finger is put into the anus and slowly moved into the rectum and lower part of the colon. Your health care provider can view the area looking through the eyepiece of the tube. Sometimes, he may use a special variation of the tube to allow him to see a picture on a TV screen.
Recommended Testing: Every 5 years
- Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)
The Basics
A barium enema, also known as a lower GI (gastrointestinal) exam, uses a x-ray to look at the colon (also known as the large bowel or large intestine). There are two types of this test. A single-contrast technique uses a liquid called barium sulfate, which is injected into the rectum in order to get a view of the large intestine. A double-contrast (or "air-contrast") technique uses air that is also inserted into the rectum.
The double-contrast barium enema can more effectively show if you have any polyps (a growth on the lining of your colon) or other problems. Polyps can become cancerous. Colorectal cancer can be prevented by removing polyps before they become cancer.
Recommended Testing: Every 5-10 years
- Colonoscopy
The Basics
Colonoscopy is a test that lets your health care provider examine the lining of your colon (also called the large intestine and large bowel). Colonscopy can detect polyps (growths on the lining of the colon) and early cancers. Removal of polyps, which generally can be performed during colonoscopy, can prevent cancer.
Colonoscopy is an outpatient screening test performed at a hospital or a clinic. Physicians receive special training to perform the test.
Recommended Testing: Every 5-10 years
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
The Basics
Digital Rectal Examination is an examination where the doctor or health professional inserts a finger (digit) covered with a lubricated glove into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. It is a simple test that is not painful and can detect many rectal cancers.
Recommended Testing: Every 5-10 years at the time of each screening sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or barium enema.
Cancer resources
- http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/natlcancerdata.htm#all
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