| The
month of March is dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness.
By learning about colorectal cancer, you
are helping fight a disease that affects one out of
18 Americans. According to the American Cancer Society,
colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer
and the second leading cause of cancer death for both
men and women in the United States. Because of screening
tests, colorectal cancer can be caught early, increasing
the survival rate for those diagnosed with the disease.
Know
the Risks
Colorectal
cancer refers to cancer of the colon or rectum. While
the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, the
following risk factors may increase the chance that
a person will develop this disease.
- Your
age. The odds of developing colorectal
cancer increase after age 50. Over 90% of people
diagnosed with colorectal cancer are age 50 or older.
- Family
history. Having close relatives (parents,
siblings or children) who have been diagnosed with
colorectal cancer increases your risk; therefore,
earlier and more frequent screenings may be recommended
by your physician.
- Personal
history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
A polyp is a growth that develops on the inner lining
of the colon or rectum. Some polyps may become cancerous.
If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer
in the past, the disease may reoccur.
Other risk
factors include unhealthy eating, lack of exercise,
smoking and bowel disorders such as Crohn’s
disease. Although some risk factors, such as your
age and family history, cannot be avoided, other factors
are within your control. Choosing to follow a healthy
lifestyle may help lower your risk of developing colorectal
cancer.
Watch
for Symptoms
Colorectal
cancer may not present symptoms in its earliest stages.
However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms
may develop:
- Irregular
bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea
- A constant
feeling that you need to have a bowel movement
- Rectal
bleeding or bloody stools
- Frequent
stomach pains or cramps
You should
consult a physician about being screened for colorectal
cancer if you experience any of these symptoms.
If
you or a loved one is at risk for developing colorectal
cancer or exhibits symptoms of the disease, don’t
hesitate to discuss your concerns with a physician.
With colorectal cancer, early screenings can translate
into saved lives. For more information about colorectal
cancer, visit the Web site for the American Cancer
Society (www.cancer.org)
or Colon Cancer Alliance (www.ccalliance.org).†
Or contact Gastroenterologist, Daniel J Suiter, M.D.
at the Pratt Regional Medical Center Endoscopy Unit
by calling 620-450-1217.
Frequent
Screenings Could Save Your Life
Screening
tests for colorectal cancer help save lives by discovering
the disease early. In fact, when detected early, the
five-year survival rate is 90% or greater. Depending
on your age and other risk factors, your physician
may recommend one or more of the following:
- Fecal
occult blood test. This test determines
if there is blood in the stool. If present, more
testing is usually required to locate the source
of the bleeding. Recommended once every year.
- Flexible
sigmoidoscopy. A thin, illuminated tube
is used to screen the rectum and the lower section
of the colon for cancer or polyps. Recommended every
five years.
- Double-contrast
barium enema. For this test, the colon
is expanded so that X-rays may be taken of the colon
and rectum. Recommended every five years.
- Colonoscopy.
The entire colon is screened for cancer, and polyps
can be removed for testing during this procedure.
Recommended every 10 years.
- Virtual
colonoscopy. This is a new, less-invasive
procedure. However, if polyps are found, a conventional
colonoscopy must be scheduled.
*
Source: The American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
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