Colorectal Cancer Facts & Screening Guidelines

Colorectal Cancer: Facts & Guidelines

Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. The risk of colorectal cancer appears to increase after the age of 40.

The colon and rectum (large intestine) follow the small intestine in the digestive system. Although polyps (growths) that may develop in the large intestine can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), colon cancer usually develops from polyps in the large intestine. If you are 50 years or older - or before age 50 if you have a family history of colon cancer - you should talk to your doctor about undergoing annual FOBTs (fecal occult blood tests that can show whether there is blood in your stool) or periodic colonoscopy tests. FOBTs are done at home, while colonoscopies are performed by digestive specialists in an outpatient facility or a hospital. FOBTs do not take the place of colonoscopies for finding cancer, but by finding blood in your stool, they can be early indicators of a medical problem that needs a doctor’s attention. Finding and removing polyps using colonoscopy is an excellent prevention measure for colorectal cancers. Both screening methods are important because, by the time overt symptoms appear, colorectal cancer may be advanced and difficult to treat.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Family history of colorectal cancer
Age - if you are over 50, you should be screened
High-fat diet
Sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity
Smoker

Prevention Measures to Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Diet: lower the percentage of fat in your diet and control your calorie, alcohol, meat (both red and white) and general protein intake.
Life style: moderate to active exercise improves overall health and may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Stop smoking (or don’t start): there is evidence that smoking may be linked to an increase of colorectal cancer.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): the regular use of NSAIDS, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
Polyp removal: removing polyps during a colonoscopy may reduce your likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women after menopause: this strategy should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Hormone replacement therapy in women after menopause may lower the risk for colon cancer, but may increase the risk for cancer of the rectum. HRT is also being investigated for its relationship to breast cancer and other health conditions. Again, please be sure to discuss the pros and cons of HRT with your doctor.

Here are two Internet links where you can search for further information:

Screening guidelines:

Yearly screenings should begin at age 50 for both men and women

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Cancer Prevention Institute 4100 S. Kettering Blvd. Dayton, OH 45439 937-293-8508 1-877-274-4543 (toll free) Click here to email us

Cancer Prevention Institute
4100 S. Kettering Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45439
937-293-8508
1-877-274-4543 (toll free)
Click here to email us