FPS staff report
March 9, 2010
During March the American Cancer Society (ACS) encourages men and women age 50 and older to get tested for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer, commonly referred to as colon cancer, is a cancer that can actually be prevented through screening. When precancerous polyps in the colon are found they are removed. If the polyps are not removed there is a greater chance they may become cancerous.
Regular scheduled colorectal cancer screenings can help save lives and help achieve the American Cancer Society’s goal of creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Screening for colon cancer has been proven to reduce deaths from the disease both by decreasing the number of people who are diagnosed with it and by finding a higher proportion of cancers early when it is more treatable. Colon cancer rates have declined significantly in both men and women the past two decades. This is due in part to early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. However, only about half of the U.S. population age 50 and older has been tested.
“We can significantly reduce death rates from colon cancer through regular screening,” said Al Stabilito, Northeast Ohio Public Relations Director of ACS. “However, there may be barriers for some people who do not get screened such as lack of health insurance. We hope people will talk to their doctors, family members and friends about getting tested. By doing so, they are taking steps toward staying well.”
The American Cancer Society recommends the following tests to find colon cancer early:
Tests That Detect
Adenomatous Polyps and Cancer:
*Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
*Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
*Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every 5 years, or
* CT colonography (CTC) every 5 years
Tests That Primarily
Detect Cancer
* Annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) with high test sensitivity for cancer, or
* Annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) with high test sensitivity for cancer, or
* Stool DNA test with high sensitivity for cancer, interval uncertain.
In addition to screening, there are healthy lifestyle behaviors individuals can adopt to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Studies show that being overweight or obese increases the risk. People whose diets include a high amount of red and processed meats are also at increased risk.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on five or more days of the week. Also, they urge people to eat a healthy diet that includes five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day and plenty of whole grains rather than processed grains and sugars. Limiting alcohol and processed and red meats and controlling portion sizes are other factors that help decrease the chances of developing colon cancer.
In addition, smoking increases the risk of this type of cancer. A 2009 study from the American Cancer Society found that long-term smoking - smoking for 40 or more years - increases colon cancer risk by 30 to 50 percent.
Another risk factor for colon cancer includes a family history of the disease. If someone in a person’s family has been diagnosed with colon cancer, others are at greater risk.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. An estimated 146,970 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2009 and about 49,920 deaths were reported last year.
The American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
As a result, about 11 million people in America who had cancer and countless others who have avoided it will celebrate birthdays this year. To learn more about colorectal cancer or other types of cancer call the Society any time, day or night, toll free at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. |
