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Colon Cancer

The Facts

Colorectal cancer (sometime referred to as colon cancer or bowel cancer) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States . Every year approximately 130,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer; and about 55,000 of them die from this disease. Most of the cases occur after the age of 50. However, anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps in the colon or rectum or ulcerative colitis is at higher risk of the disease and may need to be examined sooner and more often.

Early detection tests can identify pre-cancerous polyps which can be removed before developing into colorectal cancer. Early detection also reduces the likelihood for extensive surgery and today permanent colostomies are rare except in a small percentage of people with rectal cancer. Unfortunately early screening tests are not used as much as they should. Here are the facts you need to know about screening.

Symptoms 

  • Rectal bleeding or stool mixed with blood
  • a change in bowel habit, e.g., constipation or frequent bowel movements 
  • abdominal fullness and a feeling that you need to empty your bowels even when you have just been to the toilet
  • abdominal pain or discomfort

These symptoms could be a sign of something far less serious but the only way to be sure is to check with your doctor

Causes

Although the cause of colon cancer is not clear, it appears that a diet low in fiber is associated with increased the rates of this cancer. A family risk of bowel cancer or polyps also increases the risk.  On the other hand, an increase in fiber in the diet (including oat bran) and a diet high in fresh fruit has been linked to a reduced risk of bowel cancer in some studies. 

Treatment 

Surgery is the primary method of treatment for colon cancer  and if the cancer is diagnosed before it breaks through the bowel wall, there is a high chance of a very good outcome. If the cancer has spread, then chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be necessary. 

Prevention  

Since colorectal cancer develops fairly slowly, early screening for the disease could save many lives each year.  Here are the American Cancer Society Guidelines for people with average risk. Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of the following 5 options:

  • Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) 
    PLUS flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years

Persons at increased risk for colorectal cancer need to begin screening at an earlier age and may need more frequent screening.

The combination of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) PLUS flexible sigmoidoscopy is preferred over either test alone.  

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is usually done along with the FOBT and can detect cancers of the rectum but not the colon.

For More Information: Call 1-800-4 CANCER (1–800–422–6237) or visit www.cancer.gov

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