Colorectal Cancer: Risk Factors and Importance of Screening

In February 2000 President Clinton dedicated March as the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is a cancer that originates in the colon or rectum. According to a comprehensive overview published by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US and is the second leading cause of cancer death. One in 22 men and one in 24 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

What do we need to know to prevent colorectal cancer?

1.     Regular screenings: Colorectal cancer starts as polyps in the colon or rectum. During a screening, polyps can be identified and removed before they turn into cancer. There are several different screening methods available, your doctor can recommend what screenings are most appropriate for you.

2.      Age: Experts recommend screening begin at 50. Studies suggest 90% of colorectal cancer appears in individuals 50 years old or older. your doctor may recommend regular screenings begin earlier if your lifestyle choices, health conditions or family history indicate you are at a higher risk.

3.     Family history: Individuals with a first-degree family history of colorectal cancer have a ten to fifteen percent higher chance of developing the disease.

4.     Lifestyle choices: Obesity alone increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 30%. Other risk factors include, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diets high in red and processed meats and sedentary lifestyle.

5.     Health conditions: The risk for colorectal cancer is higher for individuals who have type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

6.     Warning signs: Colorectal cancer is a silent disease and typically develops with few or no symptoms at all. When symptoms do present, they include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, cramps, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. If these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it is important to see you doctor.

Colorectal cancer is preventable if detected early. Screening is not a convenient or pleasurable part of our health maintenance; however, the potential lifesaving benefits have been proven to be worth the inconvenience.