Public Health Home Page
 |
Colorectal Cancer Information |
 Cancer Home
|
Clinical Trials
|
Screening
|
Services
|
Support
|
|
Breast Cancer |
Colorectal Cancer |
Lung Cancer |
Prostate Cancer |
Skin Cancer |
PREVENTION OVERVIEW
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a protective factor. Some of the risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many can not. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases.
COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTIONDiet and Lifestyle: Diet appears to be associated with colorectal cancer risk. Among populations that consume a diet high in fat, protein, calories, alcohol, and meat (both red and white) and low in calcium and folate, colorectal cancer is more likely to develop than among populations that consume a low-fat, high-fiber diet. One study has found that a diet low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence during a 3- to 4-year period. A diet high in saturated fat combined with a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. There is also evidence that smoking cigarettes may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Some studies have shown that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
Polyp Removal: The removal of polyps in the colon may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR DOCTOR
 A change in usual bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea or both) Frequent gas pains Stools that are narrower than usual Constant tiredness A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely Blood in or on the stool General stomach discomfort, such as bloating, fullness and/or cramps Weight loss with no known reason
|
SCREENING OVERVIEWWhat is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms.
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENINGThe American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow ONE of the screening options below:
• Yearly stool blood test (Fecal Occult Blood Test)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Yearly stool blood test plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
(Of the first three options, the ACS recommends the third option, that is, stool blood test every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.)
Or you may have:
• Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): Special cards are coated with a stool sample and returned to the physician or lab. This test involves the examination of a patient’s solid waste (stool) for occult (hidden) blood..
• Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy is an examination in which a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a light to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, tumors, or abnormal areas.
• Barium Enema: Barium enema is a procedure in which a liquid containing barium is put into the rectum and colon by way of the anus. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray.
• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is an examination of the inside of the colon and rectum using a thin, lighted tube (called a colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. If the doctor sees polyps or other abnormal tissue during the procedure, they can be removed and further examined under a microscope.
• Digital Rectal Examination: A digital rectal examination is performed during an office visit prior to sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. For this examination, the doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum and feels for lumps or abnormal areas.
COLORECTAL CANCER TREATMENTThere are currently three standard treatments for colorectal cancer patients, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery (removing the cancer in an operation) is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells.
COLORECTAL CANCER LINKSAmerican Gastroenterological Association
1-847-290-9184
