March is… Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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Wouldn’t it be great if we could prevent cancer? With colorectal cancer we often can!

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States each year. It affects men and women equally. The good news is that there are a number of steps we can take to protect ourselves from colorectal cancer.

The colon is the lower part of the digestive tract. The rectum is the last few inches of the digestive tract. The last stages in the digestion of food and the elimination of wastes (stool) take place here.

Cancers in the colon and the rectum generally develop over several years. They often begin as a small growth called a polyp. Not all polyps turn into cancer, but certain ones called “adenomas” are more likely to. Finding and removing these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.

More than 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people who are 50 years of age or older. Regular screening of this age group can find polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer. It can also detect other cancerous growths. There are several screening tests that can be used.

Testing feces (stool) for the presence of blood is an easy way to catch problems early, since polyps tend to bleed. Your doctor can give you a test kit to use at home for one of these tests. Other conditions like hemorrhoids can cause blood in the stool so additional tests will be needed if blood is found.

Other tests look more directly at the colon and rectum. They include:

• Double contrast barium enema
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy

During a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy your physician can actually remove any polyps that are found. If polyps are found during a barium enema, an additional procedure will be necessary. Because polyps do generally grow slowly, these more specific tests are only done every five to ten years when they are 50 and up.

Some people are at risk of developing colorectal cancer before they reach age 50. Those with a close relative with colorectal cancer or who have inflammatory bowel disease are at greater risk. Anyone with the following symptoms – no matter what their age – should also see their doctor to rule out any serious illness.

• Ongoing changes in bowel habits or the appearance of stool
• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss.

Timely screening is critical if you want to prevent colorectal cancer, but that’s not all you can do. Lifestyle changes are important too. Limiting fat in your diet, eating fruits and vegetables, and regular exercise helps to prevent many chronic diseases including colorectal cancer. Avoiding tobacco is also very important. Combining these lifestyle changes with regular screening will go a long way toward preventing this deadly form of cancer.

Ontario County offers colorectal screening to underinsured residents through the Cancer Services Partnership. This program also screens for breast and cervical cancer in women. To find out if you are eligible for these services call Sue McNear, BSN at 585 396-4559.

Remember always…
Prevention is Power!