Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Susan Harris-Broomfield, Community Resource Coordinator

Colorectal cancer is a silent killer and in the early stages, it is virtually painless. Cancer can grow in the colon for years without being detected. Before symptoms appear, cancer may already be in the advanced stages. Eventually, it will be noticed when bright red bleeding begins or when the colon is totally obstructed. Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of advanced disease.

Age is the biggest risk factor for this disease. More than 90% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer are age 50 and older. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease does increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. Additional risk factors are smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, and high-fat and/or low-fiber diet.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths following lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 148,610 people will develop colorectal cancer in 2006 and 55,170 will die from the disease. If the cancer is detected at an early, localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 90%. However, only 39% of colorectal cancers are discovered this early. When it is already spread to the lymph nodes, the chances for survival are lower and if spread has occurred beyond the lymph nodes into the liver or other organs, the 5-year survival rate decreases to 10%.

Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as non-cancerous polyps – grape-like growths on the lining of the colon and rectum. These polyps can become cancerous. Removing these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from ever developing. Ninety percent of colorectal cancer is thought to be preventable! Colorectal cancer screening can save your life.

Early detection should begin at age 50 for men and women of average risk for developing colorectal cancer. The methods of early detection include an annual fecal occult blood test; flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; annual fecal occult blood test plus a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; colonoscopy every 10 years; and double-contrast barium enema every 5 years. People at increased risk for colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier and/or more frequently. Talk to your doctor about the best screening method for you.

For additional information visit the American Cancer Society’s website at http://www.cancer.org.