Colorectal Cancer - SuffolkJournal.com

If basketball legend Julius Erving and elite fashion designer Vera Wang have their way, colorectal cancer screenings will be at the top of the ‘to-do list’ for all Americans 50 and over.

An estimated 56,700 Americans will die of colorectal cancer in 2001, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in this country, behind lung cancer

Things to do now that I am 50…

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers - if it is caught early.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in America and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. In 2001, about 98,200 new cases of colon cancer and 37,200 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed.

When colorectal cancers are detected in an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. Yet only 37 percent of colorectal cancers are discovered at that stage and an estimated 56,700 Americans will die of colorectal cancer in 2001.

Many more lives could be saved if more cases of colorectal cancer were detected early. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for men and women aged 50 and over. Individuals with one or more risk factors should discuss a screening schedule with their health care provider.

Following the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines can help detect abnormalities before they become cancerous. Screening can also help detect colorectal cancer early, when chances for successful treatment are greatest.

According to the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of colorectal cancer, starting at age 50, both men and women should have:

Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or
FOBT yearly (acceptable but not preferred); or
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or
Double contrast barium enema every five years; or
Colonoscopy every 10 years

Note: Flexible sigmoidoscopy together with FOBT is preferred when compared to FOBT or flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy. People at increased or high risk should talk with their doctor about a different screening schedule.

While the exact cause of colon cancer is not known, researchers have found several risk factors that increase a person's chance of developing colorectal cancer. Ninety percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over 50. A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps; a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease; a diet high in fat; and physical inactivity have all been associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. Additionally, Black Americans have higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates than men and women of other racial and ethnic groups.

While people cannot change their genetic makeup or family health history, most people can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by:

You can test your knowledge of colorectal cancer by participating in the ‘Colon Cancer Quiz’ or take part in the ‘Colon Cancer Check Tool’ at the American Cancer Society’s web site - www.cancer.org. For more information on colorectal cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Tips on being Active at work:

When parking, select a spot farther away from your destination and walk.
Take the stairs instead of the elevators.
Visit people instead of calling them or sending an email.
Start a ‘walking group’ at work.